Morris Hospital Hosts Volunteer Appreciation LuncheonMay 11, 2026,

Volunteer William Akre (left) was honored for 40 years of volunteer service by Morris Hospital Patient Transportation Manager Tina Carter.

May 11, 2026, MORRIS, IL – Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers recently hosted a celebratory luncheon at the Morris Country Club to recognize hospital volunteers for achieving milestones in volunteer hours and years of service.

In the past year, volunteers at Morris Hospital logged a total of 20,134 hours in over 20 different areas. Volunteer services allowed Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers to provide over 6,500  rides through its free patient transportation service. In addition, volunteers welcomed thousands of visitors at the main entrance reception desk, assembled thousands of admission packets for patients, planted and maintained the Serenity Garden, assisted patients and families in the surgical waiting room, staffed the Gift Shop resulting in $37,000 in net proceeds for the Morris Hospital Foundation, and much more.

The Rhythm of Our Youth Program, which is staffed by volunteers and provides cardiac screenings for local students, was recognized during the luncheon for reaching the milestone of 10 years of screenings during the 2025–2026 school year. Over the past decade, 14,926 students have been screened for potential cardiac abnormalities through the program. Rhythm of Our Youth is made possible through the generous support and donations to the Morris Hospital Foundation.

In addition to recognizing service hours and welcoming new volunteers, Morris Hospital honored Ray Paulson for 25 years of service, and William Akre for 40 years of service.

Morris Hospital Manager of Volunteer Services Jamie Mack addressed the volunteers at the luncheon and said, “Today we are celebrating the dedication and selflessness of our volunteers” said Mack. “Together, we are leaving a lasting impact on the community we serve.”

Morris Hospital President & CEO Tom Dohm was also in attendance, and in his address to the volunteers he spoke about the various ways volunteers contribute critical services Morris Hospital provides to the community. “When I reflect on our volunteers, I am continually struck by the meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many throughout our community,” says Dohm. “Your impact extends well beyond the walls of our hospital, reaching into the everyday lives of community members.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, visit morrishospital.org/volunteer.