AUXILIARY GIVES BACK — Members of the Weirton Medical Center Auxiliary held a dinner for hospital officials Tuesday, where a check for $25,000 was presented. The money was earned through various fundraisers the auxiliary holds throughout the year. Auxiliary volunteers include, from left, front, Dolores Krinock, Elda Weekley, Sondra Weigel and Lola Starvaggi; and back, Paula Bilick, Mary Lou Batcho, Diane Bond, Susie Collins, Cathy Colabrese, Flo Jonczak and Barb Visnic. -- Julie Stenger

WEIRTON — Volunteers are a vital part of any hospital. They donate their personal time toward taking care of patients’ needs, coordinate and oversee fundraisers, work inside hospital gift shops, the list goes on and on. And yet, the number of people willing to volunteer has declined dramatically throughout the years. Just ask a member of the Weirton Medical Center Auxiliary.

The 14 auxiliary members assisting the hospital can recall when more than 150 individuals, along with more than 75 volunteens, were busy performing various tasks for patients, families and staff.

But that was 30 years ago. And things were much different than they are today. The women do all they can to make the auxiliary work, despite its taking its toll on some.

Having 14 members as opposed to the 250 of yesterday, is an extreme change. Yes, they will tell you additional volunteers are needed to assist in the day-to-day duties, as several of the volunteers are at least 70 to 80 years of age and older. Still, the 14 women continue to show up when needed for the sake of others.

Each is doing a phenomenal job — just ask one of the hospital’s administrators — as they expressed their thoughts and showed their appreciation to auxiliary members Tuesday during the annual dinner at which the auxiliary presents its check to administrators.

The check was presented to administrators, including, from left, Clayton Henderson, COO; Drew Schouble, CFO; Weigel, auxiliary president; David Artman, CEO; and James Shockley, board president. -- Julie Stenger

A check for $25,000 was presented to administrators in attendance, including James Shockley, board president; Clayton Henderson, COO; Drew Schouble, CFO; and David Artman, CEO. The money comes from the seven sales the auxiliary holds throughout the year, including jewelry sales, book sales and the sale of Robert’s medical uniforms.

These fundraisers, along with the proceeds from the gift shop, are presented to officials to use as they see fit. Past uses for the money have included donating the money for the cafeteria, the atrium and various areas of the hospital utilized by patients, families and staff.

Elda Weekley has been with the auxiliary for more than 30 years. She is one of two officers, saying the auxiliary used to offer many programs, scholarships and activities for patients and community residents. However, hospital changes have caused many of these positions to become irrelevant, and the offerings are no longer there. Sondra Weigel, auxiliary president, agreed, saying time has made a huge difference.

“Over the years, many people have moved away from the area,” Weigel stated. “Many have medical issues which affect their ability to no longer be able to volunteer. There are all kinds of reasons people can’t volunteer anymore. And we can only do so much. It makes it a little difficult.”

Hospital officials stated they are grateful for the auxiliary and appreciate their annual gift. The money helps the hospital to in turn, help the community. Years of service certificates were presented to those with a milestone anniversary, marking the start of their volunteering. Members who were honored included Weigel, 35 years; Dolores Krinock, 20 years; and Cathy Colabrese, 10 years.

During the dinner, three auxiliary volunteers were awarded for the number of years served. Recipients included, from left, Weigel, 35 years; Krinock, 20 years; and Colabrese, 10 years. -- Julie Stenger