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Celebrating volunteers: A gift to the community by Cindy Abole Public Relations American writer and statesman Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for someone else.” The previous can be said of the generous acts and services shared by 800-plus dedicated people who volunteer at MUSC. “We think our MUSC volunteers are awesome,” said Susanne Banks, manager of MUSC Volunteer Services. “Every year, we get more talented, compassionate people from the community.” Each year, MUSC celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 22-27, to recognize the year-round service and volunteering efforts of thousands of Lowcountry people. Nationally, the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network sponsor this annual recognition. This year’s theme is Volunteers: A Gift to the Community. Last year, Medical Center volunteers logged  more than 28,000 service hours. A total of 96 volunteers share their time and efforts working at Hollings Cancer Center. Last year, they contributed approximately 4,100 hours. While 75 Children’s Hospital volunteers provided more than 21,000 hours. MUSC has the distinction of hosting more volunteers than any other tri-county medical facility. The volunteer force consists of young adults organized as the Volunteen Corps, teens aged 14-18-years old, area college students, senior citizens, retirees, cancer survivors and other active individuals in the community. Each volunteer receives training and can be found in more than 80 areas of the hospital and university. Each spring, MUSC volunteers are formally honored and recognized in an awards banquet scheduled for June 13 at the Embassy Suites Charleston Convention Center.