Hospital volunteer recognized for 50 years of service

GAINESVILLE - A Medical Center Auxiliary volunteer was recognized for 50 years of service Tuesday at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center's (NGMC's) annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Luncheon.

Lorena Camp Collins was presented with a Congressional Certificate from 9th District U.S. Rep. Doug Collins and a Commendation from Governor Nathan Deal in honor of her service and dedication. In addition, the Medical Center Auxiliary Executive Board has unanimously approved a contribution of $25,000 in Collins' honor to benefit The Medical Center Foundation's Nursing and Allied Health Scholarships & Continuing Education initiative. That represents a little over a dollar for each of the nearly 24,000 hours Collins has served over those 50 years.

In addition to recognizing Collins for her half-century of service, the Marjorie Covington Smith Auxilian of the Year award was presented to Mary Anna Wicker; Lee Highsmith was presented with the Nell Whelchel Wiegand Patient Friend Award; and several other volunteers were recognized for their years of service, ranging from 75 to 9,500 hours.

Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers donated 58,420 hours of service in 2012. That is equivalent to 35 full time employees and a value of more than $1.2 million to the organization, according to the hospital.