National Volunteer Week: Celebrating MultiCare volunteers who give back to their communities
By Shelby Taylor and Nick Baumingham
National Volunteer Week is upon us — an opportunity to recognize MultiCare volunteers who lift up patients, families and providers across our communities.
In 2023, 857 volunteers donated more than 127,000 hours of their time as patient ambassadors, compassionate hospice helpers, operating department assistants and more. Their generosity and selfless commitment to service play an essential role in supporting patients and care teams.
Meet four MultiCare volunteers making a difference and join us in thanking the many more who transform the lives of others every day.
Retired preschool teacher continues legacy of helping kids
Patty Nevins first connected with MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital as a donor to Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation. 
After retiring as a preschool teacher in 2010, Foundations staff introduced her to the hospital’s volunteer coordinator, as she wanted to continue working with children.
For 13 years, Nevins offered art projects in the playroom, assisted with the Beads of Courage™ program — where young patients tell their stories through beads representing their treatment journey — and sewed masks and gowns during the pandemic.
Today, she makes activity kits for various clinics, volunteers for the Mary Bridge Loves to Read literacy program and serves as a trustee on the Mary Bridge Brigade board and member of its Lakewood guild.
“Through my years here, I have seen the many services the hospital provides in the area, the dedication of the staff and all those involved with the day-to-day activities,” Nevins shares. “This continues to give me a sense of pride, and I am fortunate to be a part of it.”
Future medical student learns through giving back
University of Washington Tacoma undergrad Christian James (who goes by CJ) began volunteering at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital to gain clinical exposure, as his sights are set on medical school.
Soon he was pushing a cart through the halls, delivering hygiene products, snacks, drinks and friendly conversation to patients recovering from surgery. Those daily interactions became James’ favorite part of his shifts.
“It was just a blessing to get to brighten their day and be that light in their dark situation,” he shares.
Recently, James was accepted to the University of Washington School of Medicine, thanks in part to his years of volunteer experience and letters of recommendation from MultiCare staff. His goal is to pursue family medicine and better harness social media for medical education and outreach.
With more years ahead as a student, James appreciates everyone who’s taught him something at MultiCare — from nurses to doctors to patients.
“Every single week I’ve volunteered, I’ve learned something new,” he says. “Truly, it’s been a gift that keeps on giving.”
Caring for his sister leads volunteer to 12 years of service
When Glen Williams retired, his sister was a North Star Lodge Cancer Center patient. Coincidentally, he was looking to donate his time somewhere, and North Star was actively seeking volunteers. 
Beginning with his sister and spanning nearly 12 years, Williams greets patients as they arrive for their appointments at the infusion department, takes them to the treatment area and gets them settled in, doing his best to exceed their expectations.
“My role is to ‘spoil them,’” he explains. “Oftentimes our patients are in really good spirits when they are with us. In that case, I have fun interchanges with them. The staff would tell you that I do all I can to lighten an otherwise heavy time of their lives.
“But other times, our patients just need to rest while they receive their treatment,” Williams continues. “In that case, meeting their physical needs by providing pillows, warm blankets, drinks and snacks becomes most important.”
Comforting patients during their final moments
When MultiCare Valley Hospital patients are in their final hours, Nancy Rich is there, sitting beside them as a volunteer with the No One Dies Alone (NODA) program. 
“It gives me the greatest comfort to do this,” she shares.
Rich began volunteering with NODA after her sister passed away more than two years ago. Part of her healing process has been to draw upon her emotional strength so she can be a soothing presence for others.
Whether it’s holding a patient’s hand or offering comforting words, Rich finds that every gesture is meaningful.
“There’s something about that human connection when you’re passing out of this world,” she explains. “It’s a small part of what they’re going through, and I’m just happy to be able to do that.”
