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National volunteer week celebrated yearly reminds everyone how important volunteers are in every city and community.

Are you currently using your talents through volunteering? Have you recently explored your options? Most people have volunteered sometime in their busy lives. In return for volunteering time, energy and expertise, you gain the satisfaction of contributing to your community, as well as finding opportunities to establish new friendships, learn new skills and receive recognition.

Everyone has special abilities, which can be put to good use as a volunteer. Consider giving back to the community by volunteering at Physicians Regional Medical at the Collier Campus, which has been open since February, 2007.

Brenda Chieffo, Volunteer Coordinator, reports that they currently have 80 active volunteers, including eight from Marco Island and one from the Isle of Capri, but still need more folks to help out.

The medical center needs volunteer help in the gift shop, information desk and Women’s Center, especially on weekends, but also Monday through Friday. Volunteers work in four hour shifts: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Some volunteers work one day a week and a few volunteers are there three days a week.

The Volunteer office offers orientation once a month, for approximately four to six hours. There were 17 volunteers at the April orientation.

To identify the volunteers, they have blue polo shirts for men and women. Another option is blue vests for the ladies.

Volunteerism offers many benefits. In general, it’s a way to get out of one’s home, to share time with others and valuable skills. An added benefit is the socialization with other folks who are willing to help out in the community. A very specific benefit at Physicians Regional Medical Center is that volunteers receive a free lunch when they are there volunteering.

Stop by the center and pick up a volunteer packet, which has an application in it. If a potential volunteer wishes a personal tour of the facility, that is one option. However, the tour is also included in the volunteer orientation day. Call Brenda Chieffo to arrange an appointment, as well as to arrange a tour of the medical facility at 354-6035.

Take action today. Help celebrate National Volunteer Week by joining with friends and neighbors to volunteer.