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Red Cross Volunteer Brings Smiles to Veterans
Written by
Carol Williams
, Special to RedCross.org
Tuesday, March 16, 2004 — Congratulations to Sylvia Hager, the 2003 American Red Cross/Veterans Affairs Volunteer of the Year. Sylvia was selected from volunteer leaders of 146 Red Cross programs at VA medical facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Red Cross Volunteer Sylvia Hager (left) and her friend Gerry Loy honor veterans with a birthday party. |
More than a decade ago, Sylvia volunteered as a Red Cross van driver. It wasn’t long before her enthusiasm and organizational skills catapulted her into leadership positions. One of those appointments—Chair of the Veterans Administration Voluntary Service (VAVS) program at the Washington County Red Cross Chapter in Hagerstown, Maryland—brought more satisfaction that Sylvia ever imagined.
As a VAVS volunteer, Sylvia hosts a monthly birthday party for patients in the long term Nursing Home Care Unit. Her birthday parties are the most anticipated event of the month. It’s no wonder the parties get top billing. Sylvia makes each one a special memory. She designs personalized birthday cards and posters and puts on a silly costume that gets even the most frail veteran in a party mood. She has been a Leprechaun, a snowman, an Easter rabbit, a fisherman, a gingerbread lady, and more.
The wonderful birthday parties are just a fraction of Sylvia’s contributions. She also teaches ceramics, orders ceramic supplies and helps veterans with cleaning and painting. She has participated in the Easter Parade, the Christmas in July Parade and was a clown for the Veterans Day parade that honored Korean War Veterans. Sylvia manned a booth with a game and prizes, and worked with the Veterans Administration Voluntary Service Carnival, POW-MIA Day, the God Bless America Ride Day and the youth program.
This amazing volunteer leader’s dedication and caring sets an example for all volunteers. Her joyous personality, leadership skills, innovative ideas and willingness to serve make her very special.
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