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MUSC volunteers recognized, speak out by Cindy Abole Public Relations Each day, MUSC volunteers continue to play a substantial role in the care of patients, families and help with administrative staffs.   With approximately 640 people registered, MUSC has more hospital volunteers than any other medical facility in the tri-county.   “We have the most caring and loving people working with us,” said Susanne Banks, manager of MUSC Volunteer Services. “They come here because they want to be here. They are truly the best.”   During National Volunteer Week, April 23-27, individuals are recognized and celebrated for their daily efforts.          The Points of Light Foundation and the national network of Volunteer Centers sponsor National Volunteer Week. This year's theme is “Change the World —Volunteer!”          Since 1998, the total number of volunteer hours at MUSC has exceeded past 34,000 hours of service. It was back in 1971 when the Department of Volunteers was created at MUSC. This includes volunteer work within the Medical University hospital, the university, MUSC Children's Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry (IOP), Hollings Cancer Center  and other off-campus facilities.    The volunteer force consists of young adults organized as part of the Volunteen Corps, teens age 14 to 17 years old, seniors, area college students, parents, survivors or other people in the community. Each volunteer receives training and can be found in more than 80 areas of the hospital and university.   Each year, MUSC volunteers are recognized for their work and dedication during the annual MUSC volunteer banquet. This year's banquet will occur on June 14 at the Embassy Suites Charleston Convention Center. MUSC Volunteer Week Profiles Mamie Capers Charleston, weekly volunteer since 1998 Hollings Cancer Center waiting room “I’ve always had a plan to volunteer in the hospital.” said Mamie Capers, who retired as a nursing assistant after about 21 years. She enjoyed working with patients and missed it. An active and dedicated woman, Capers loves to talk with patients, bake cookies for them and assists them in their needs. “I’ve made many new friends,” Capers said. “When people come to Hollings for an appointment, they’re looking for me." She’s no stranger to helping the community serving as a guardian ad litem for Charleston County and on the District 20 constituent school board. Naomi Simon Charleston, weekly volunteer since 1992 MUSC Children’s Hospital Naomi Simon has shared her artistic talents with pediatric patients and their families for the past 10 years. On Tuesdays, she sketches small portraits of Children’s Hospital patients at the Atrium. The idea was born many years ago while she was a worried parent awaiting the outcome of her son's surgery. “I wanted something to do that would take my mind off of the surgery,” she said. She began sketching the children in the hospital floor. “I remember seeing the reaction of parents upon receiving these portraits,” Simon said. “They were genuinely touched and happy to receive such a gift. Drawing allows me to give something back in return." Matthew Scoggins Mt. Pleasant, weekly volunteer since 2000 MUSC Trauma Unit During the day, Matthew Scoggins is a College of Charleston freshman attending classes. On Friday nights, he can be found working a full 12-hour shift helping the staff in the hospital’s adult trauma unit. “My work is both fun and interesting,” said Scoggins, who shows an interest in plastic surgery. Scoggins provides nursing support to patients and staff transferred from traffic accidents, emergencies and other medical care. “Volunteering to me is a learning experience,” he said, comparing his experience more to an internship. “It has taught me a lot about helping people in a very special way.” Jerry Coyle Hollywood, weekly volunteer since 1999 MUSC Hospital, 10-E and The Looking Glass at Hollings Cancer Center Jerry Coyle and her husband, Jesse, volunteer together in the hospital on Wednesdays. She volunteers at 10-East with surgical oncology, while her husband helps out with oncology patients in 8-West. On Friday’s, she helps staff The Looking Glass at Hollings Cancer Center. “For me, volunteering has been a return to more meaningful work with people. It gives me a chance to be active with others. I try to do things to help people feel better, I hope that I’m helping them in just the right way.” Felicia Johnson North Charleston, weekend volunteer since 1997 MUSC Medical Center Information desk “I enjoy being there to help people, especially if they have special needs or concerns,” said Felicia Johnson, a native of Panama who recently moved from New York. “I get a lot of gratification knowing that I’m helping others." Johnson likes to talk to families, make things pleasant and sometimes console them. "I know its not something I have to do, but want to do," she said. "To me, volunteering is a commitment that I want to continue doing as long as I can.” Ruth Mazyck Mt. Pleasant, weekly volunteer since 1998 Hollings Cancer Center waiting room Ruth Mazyck knows what it's like to sit on both sides of the fence. She worked as a former  receptionist/secretary in cardiology and dermatology and is a breast cancer survivor. “Working in cardiology, I learned that people sometimes just need a smile.” said Mazyck. “I have a tremendous need to give back.” Today, she assists patients, tracks staff for appointments, stamps parking tickets or spends time just talking. “I try to talk about common interests like grandchildren, New York Yankee baseball, travel, reading and handwork. “Each day it’s my goal to leave everyone with a smile,” she said.  Becky Barber Hollywood, weekly volunteer since 1998 MUSC Children’s Hospital Atrium Each week, Becky Barber makes the drive into Charleston to play and help care for her special children.  “The experience is beyond what I’d imagined it to be,” said Barber. “I’m glad to give back to something where there’s a great need.” A mother of two boys, Barber is inspired to volunteer through her own family experiences. Her 87-year-old grandmother has been a hospital volunteer for 25 years. “I certainly recommend volunteering to others,” she said.