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Celebrate Volunteers: The Spirit of America by Cindy Abole Public Relations Each year, thousands of South Carolinians donate their time and energy to make a difference and improve their communities as better place to live. These volunteers will be among millions of others across the country who will be recognized during National Volunteer Week 2003, April 27 through May 3.  This year’s theme, Celebrate Volunteers—The Spirit of America, recognizes the 30th annual National Volunteer Week sponsored by The Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Centers National Network sponsor National Volunteer Week.  Last year, MUSC volunteers contributed more than 36,670 total hours at the Children’s Hospital, Medical Center and Hollings Cancer Center. Approximately 512 Medical Center volunteers logged more than 29,544 service hours. While about 50 people contributed 3,400 hours service at the Hollings Cancer Center. And 82 Children’s Hospital volunteers added about 3,726 hours. MUSC has the distinction of hosting more volunteers than any other Lowcountry medical facility. “We have the best volunteers in the Tri-county,” said Susanne Banks, manager of MUSC Volunteer Services. “They keep us constantly on our toes, plus the quality of volunteers we get just gets better every year. We’re proud of all of them.”  MUSC has supported a volunteer program since 1971. The institution sponsors a variety of volunteers from throughout the community including the Volunteens Corps, a group of 14-18-years-old students, as well as senior citizens, retirees, cancer survivors and other people in the community. MUSC volunteers receive training and are often found serving in more than 80 areas of the hospital and university. Departments and clinics are encouraged to show their appreciation for volunteers throughout the week. Each year since 1990, the volunteer services honors a special individual with the Ann D. Edwards Volunteer award, an honor named after MUSC’s former first lady. It is the program’s highest honor recognizing service, dedication and dignity. Volunteers will be honored in a formal banquet and ceremony slated for June 5.     Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.