At Hancock Health, our volunteers make it possible for us to deliver healthcare as unique as you. They remind us that care goes beyond medicine. It’s also about kindness, connection, and the simple act of showing up for others. This December, we’re honored to celebrate the volunteers who give their time, energy, and compassion to support our mission of making health possible for everyone.
The Value of Volunteers
Volunteerism has been part of Hancock Health’s story since 1953, when the original volunteer guild was formed. Seven decades later, their legacy continues, powered by people who care deeply about their community and each other.
Across our 30 locations, Hancock Health is supported by more than 190 active volunteers who donate thousands of hours each year to help patients, families, and staff. In the past year alone, our volunteers have contributed more than 18,000 hours of service. This is a remarkable demonstration of generosity and community spirit.
These volunteers fill roles as information desk greeters, wheelchair transporters, concierges, clerical assistants, mail room attendants, and gift shop or coffee bar attendants. Others give comfort in more specialized ways, from members of the therapy dog team, to donating crafts, to volunteers at Gateway and our Wellness Centers.
Their service touches nearly every corner of Hancock Health, and their impact cannot be overstated. As Steve Long, President & CEO of Hancock Health, shared, “Our volunteers are part of what makes Hancock Health so special. They bring warmth, compassion, and personal connection into our spaces every day. By giving their time and hearts so freely, they help make our patients’ best health possible.”
Volunteer Spotlight: Sue’s Story
For nearly 28 years, Sue Lawhead has been a beloved volunteer and information desk greeter at Hancock Health. So beloved, in fact, that many simply know her as “Grandma Sue.” She began volunteering after her husband passed away, looking for purpose and connection. What she found was a community that quickly embraced her warmth, humor, and, perhaps most famously, her homemade treats. “I really do like it, or I wouldn’t be here. It gets me out of the house,” she says with a smile.
What started as a simple gesture of bringing sweets from home soon became a cherished tradition throughout the hospital. Doctors and patients alike look forward to Sue’s peanut brittle, brownies, and zucchini bread, which all rarely last more than a few hours.
Beyond her baked goods, Sue brings joy, steadiness, and genuine care to everyone she meets. “I am proud of what I do and enjoy doing it,” she says. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and so is her encouragement to others: “If you want to volunteer for Hancock Health, go for it. It’s great.”
Sue’s presence reminds us how powerful small acts of kindness can be, and how deeply one person’s heart can shape an entire community.
How to Volunteer
If you’ve ever considered giving your time, there’s no better place to do it than with Hancock Health. In this season of giving, consider joining our incredible team of volunteers who help make care more personal, compassionate, and human every day.
To get started, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to apply online. Paper applications are also available in the Volunteer Office or at any information desk. You can also connect with our team through the Hancock Volunteers Facebook group, or reach out directly by emailing kkelly@hancockhealth.org or calling (317) 468-4729.