Dosher Volunteers Receive Governor's Service Award

The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has announced the 2020 Governor's Service Award recipients, with both the Dosher Memorial Hospital Volunteers and Ann Hollingsworth, the Vice President of the Dosher Volunteers, being among the honorees.

The Governor's Volunteer Service Award honors people who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by making a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. The award was created in the Office of the Governor in 1979.

Over 170 members of the community volunteer at Dosher, where they have given generously of their time for over 50 years. The Dosher Volunteers provide service and support in multiple areas, which include the Emergency Department, Surgical Services and Physical Therapy along with answering the phones in the Patient Care Unit, Patient Registration, and Dosher Clinics. Through raising funds in both the Dosher Flea Market and the hospital gift store, the Dosher Volunteers have given over $2,000,000 as an organization to Dosher Hospital used for programs and equipment which enhance patient care. To quote from their award nomination, "Our Volunteers play an essential role in helping our Critical Access, rural hospital achieve our mission of providing outstanding medical care and service excellence for our community."

Ann Hollingsworth, the Vice President of the Dosher Volunteers received a standalone award, selected not only for her service to Dosher but also for her participation in volunteer initiatives within the community of Boiling Spring Lakes. As quoted from Ms. Hollingsworth's nomination, "In many ways, Ann is the "face" of the Dosher Volunteers. She has volunteered at Dosher since 2004, and is a favorite with patients and visitors. Even those who do not know her name will reference "the lady with the hats" when complimenting the service they receive at Dosher. She is not only the Vice-President of the organization, she is a familiar face at the main reception desk, and helps patients, visitors, and vendors find their way and get what they need."

"We are deeply appreciative for the support that the Dosher Volunteers give to our organization," said Dosher Memorial Hospital and Foundation President Lynda Stanley. "The success of Dosher has always been a collaborative effort, and some of our most vital and invested workers do not receive a salary. I am extremely grateful for the contributions our volunteers have made to our workforce and to the patient experience."

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, the hospital has minimized their volunteer headcount and closed the Flea Market to the public, for the safety of all. Everyone looks forward to the day that it is safe to bring this most valued group of individuals back on board at full capacity.