Dear Texas Children’s Family:
Each year, we have the special opportunity to thank our truly remarkable volunteers for their dedication to Texas Children’s during National Volunteer Week – Sunday, April 6 through Saturday, April 12.
Our people define Texas Children’s. Our patients and families measure their experience by the clinical care we provide, the extra moments we take to care for their needs beyond the bedside, and the special attention we provide that assures them that their child is our child.
Each and every day, our volunteers honor Texas Children’s Hospital and our patients and families with the gift of their time. It has been often said that someone who gives you their time, gives you part of their life. In this way, our volunteers share their time, talent, and love to improve the lives and experiences of patients, families, and staff of Texas Children’s in ways only they can.
The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital, an organization founded even before the hospital opened its doors on February 1, 1954, has chronicled the history of our institution. Over the past year, 1,668 Auxiliary volunteers, equivalent to more than 45 full-time employees, focused solely and directly on the needs of our patients, families and staff.
Texas Children’s is also extremely proud to be the home of community-wide service organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, The Junior League of Houston, and The Blue Bird Circle, among many others. Collectively, these groups accounted for an additional 703 volunteers at Texas Children’s in 2013. We are indebted to these and all organizations that enhance our mission through their generosity and kindness.
A smile found, a hand held, a craft created, a need attended, a song sung, a heart guided – these are the differences of the 2,400 active volunteers across Texas Children’s system. These are the differences that can only be made by our amazing and beloved volunteers.
This remarkable asset and these partnerships are to be cherished, supported, and cultivated. Please join us in thanking our volunteers this week and every week, as they selflessly act in support of Texas Children’s mission every day.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Walsh, Jr.
Director, Texas Children’s Volunteer Services