Drexel Hill, Pa.- Virginia Gross Levin, of Broomall, was named Delaware County Memorial Hospital’s Volunteer of the Year for her 14 years of dedicated service to the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center. She was honored at the hospital’s recent annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
“Ballots are distributed to every area of the hospital so that employees can nominate any volunteer who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in performing his or her job,” says Elizabeth Wright, director of Volunteer Services for Delaware County Memorial Hospital. She adds that “this year’s recipient was nominated by a combined effort of those in the Radiation Oncology department where she works because of her dedication and the countless number of hours she has contributed to DCMH over the years.”
After retiring from a job at the School District of Philadelphia in 1991, Levin, like many retirees, wanted to find a way to give back to her community. Levin’s desire to serve, however, can be traced all the way back to World War II, which is one reason her commitment is so exceptional. During this time, Levin’s mother joined the legions of volunteers looking to serve their country. As Levin says, “When we were young, my mother encouraged my friends and me to knit for ‘Bundles for Britain,’ which made uniforms for the Royal Air Force, and later, once we had entered the war, for the American Red Cross.”
The spirit of giving was instilled in her from an early age and was cultivated further by her late husband’s drive to volunteer his time. As she says, “Even though he had a full-time job, my husband volunteered. He served on the board for our synagogue, the GE Speakers Bureau, Junior Achievement, and the Boy Scouts, and was also an eight-gallon blood donor [over the course of his lifetime]. When he retired, he served on the board of the Marple Library.” When her husband was treated in the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center at DCMH, Levin made a selfless commitment to volunteer her time there.
In the 14 years she has spent volunteering in the Cancer Center, she has become an indispensable part of the team. Marie DeStefano, administrative director of Oncology for Crozer-Keystone Health System says, “She is friendly, loyal, and diligent in her work; we have come to depend on her over the years. Her work ethic makes her a valuable asset to our department.” Another colleague who nominated her for this award adds that “her sincere desire and energetic approach to her responsibilities make her an exceptional part of [the Radiation Oncology] team.”
When she is not volunteering her time, Levin makes all her own clothes, knits, creates jewelry, and is an ardent gardener. She also enjoys doing the New York Times crossword puzzle every morning, saying “I can’t start my day without it.”
Delaware County Memorial Hospital welcomes area residents interested in making a difference like Virginia Gross Levin to volunteer their time in a variety of areas within the hospital. While most volunteers are adults, some area students donate their time as way of gaining observational experience in fields such as physical or occupational therapy, sports medicine, and nursing before applying to schools for further education through the Professional Field Experience program.
Adults and teens (ages 16 and up) are invited to contribute their time and talents in many areas of the hospital, including the emergency department, patient escort, information desks, medical records, labor and delivery, and the gift shop. These volunteers provide vital support to patients and staff and are an integral part of efficient, patient-friendly, health care delivery.
As DeStefano attests, “The volunteers at DCMH are pleasant, dedicated individuals who are truly here because they want to be.” In gratitude for their efforts, volunteers receive one free meal per four hours worked, free parking, free flu shots, free blood pressure screenings and tuberculosis testing, a pharmacy discount and more.
For more information on becoming a volunteer at DCMH, call Elizabeth Wright at (610) 284-8186.