Bates County Memorial Hospital’s volunteers are an essential part of the care experience for our patients, visitors, and staff. On April 30, BCMH recognized Auxiliary members for their service and dedication at the annual Auxiliary Recognition Banquet, honored members who retired from service in 2025, and announced the Volunteer of the Year. To show appreciation, volunteers were treated to lunch and presented with a basket of flowers, along with a certificate and service pin recognizing their hours of dedication.
This year’s Volunteer of the Year is Lora Padley. Since 2018, Lora has contributed more than 2,100 hours of service, bringing both consistency and compassion to every shift. Whether welcoming guests in the Auxiliary Gift Shop or keeping shelves stocked each week, her role supports the hospital in meaningful ways.
“I feel good helping,” she said. “Just giving someone a smile goes a long way. It’s amazing what a smile will do.” Lora’s experience reflects a sentiment shared by many of our volunteers: in giving to others, they receive just as much in return.
The Auxiliary also recognized two retiring volunteers, Juanita White and Doris Null, for their years of dedicated service. Both served the hospital for more than a decade and stepped away in 2025 due to health reasons. Juanita contributed more than 2,600 hours, while Doris, who was unable to attend the banquet, devoted 1,362 hours of service, primarily at the information desk. Each has made a lasting impact through their kindness, reliability, and commitment to others.
Volunteers were also introduced to Melissa Cummings, who will serve as a front desk attendant and a resource for Auxiliary members in their roles at the information desk and gift shop. She was warmly welcomed by the group and shared her enthusiasm for beginning her new role in early June.
BCMH is deeply grateful for each of our volunteers. Through their time, compassion, and dedication, they strengthen the connection between our hospital and the community we serve.
Group photo, pictured: front row from left: Charlotte Guss, Missie Good, Brenda Henley, Juanita White, Lora Padley, Kelly Stark, Phyllis McBrayer, Janice Lowe. Back row: Pastor Jeremy Henderson and Mike Humphrey (chaplains); Holly Rabourn, Mary Chenowith, Carol Lewis, Sheila Wackerman, Carol Hedrick, Susie French, Beth Taranto, Dee Hall, Richard Brewster, Gay Keene and Bob Thomas.
Not present but very much appreciated: Brooke Dunning (2025 summer temp volunteer), Faye Hunt, Doris Null, and Barb Weaver.
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