This year marks a momentous milestone for Littleton Regional Healthcare (LRH) as it proudly celebrates the 50th Anniversary of its Volunteer Program, a legacy of compassionate service and community spirit that began in 1975 with just 35 dedicated individuals.
In April of 1975, the LRH Auxiliary promoted the start of a new program at the hospital, and it began just in time for National Volunteer Week. The program began humbly with a desk borrowed from the Hospital Administrator’s office, stationed in the main hallway of the original hospital. Volunteers staffed the front desk, issued visitor passes, directed guests, and supported hospital staff. Early roles included Visitor Reception Volunteers and Patient Escorts, delivering flowers, escorting patients to departments, and running interdepartmental errands.
Under the leadership of founder Jewell (Julia) Fogg, the program steadily grew and became deeply embedded in hospital operations. Within the first few years, a Junior Volunteer Program was added during the summer months to provide an opportunity for those interested in a career in healthcare to have a chance to be in a hospital setting. Jewell nurtured the volunteer program, and by the time of her retirement in 1991, she had grown the volunteer program to over 100 active members. She continued to support the program as a volunteer herself, contributing an additional 841 hours of service.
Throughout the years, several leaders have overseen the program, guiding it through historic occasions and unprecedented times, such as the move to the new hospital, a global pandemic, and many moments in between.
A pivotal moment for the program occurred in 2010 when Frances and Mary Heald, sisters who had volunteered for over 20 years collectively, established an endowment for the maintenance and development of LRH’s volunteer program. This endowment has been vital in growing the volunteer program and allowing it to thrive in the services that are offered.
At the program’s peak in 2014, a remarkable 200+ volunteers were providing over 23,000 hours of service. In addition to staffing desks throughout the hospital, volunteers supported nearly every department. The program added specialized services, including music therapy, pet therapy, massage, and aromatherapy. Over the years, the program has experienced variations in participation and was dramatically impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in early 2020, which forced a brief hiatus of the program altogether. Since the program’s return, recruitment has been a priority to return the program to pre-COVID enrollment and resume some of the other complimentary services offered.
In May of 2023, Dawn Lambert assumed leadership of the Volunteer Program. Since then, the team has grown to 58 active volunteers, and the program continues to be rebuilt with renewed energy and purpose. “Throughout Littleton Regional Healthcare’s history, our volunteers have been the heart of our organization,” said Dawn Lambert, current Volunteer Services Coordinator. “Their compassion and commitment are inspiring and have made an immeasurable impact on our workforce, patients, and community,” added Lambert.
Volunteers continue to be an essential part of LRH’s culture and community. Beyond their service roles, they help foster connection and appreciation within the organization. Over the past 50 years, it is estimated that LRH volunteers have contributed hundreds of thousands of hours, while offering immeasurable comfort and human connection to those in need.
As the LRH Volunteer Program celebrates this Golden Anniversary, it honors not just its impressive history but also the people who brought it to life. Their legacy of care continues to inspire, demonstrating what’s possible when a community comes together to serve. LRH honors all the volunteers, past and present, who have given their time, talents, and hearts in service to others.
