The Pink Placebo Gift Shop

The Volunteer Department at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is the second largest workforce in the hospital, second only to the nursing staff. In 2000, more than 300 MMC volunteers donated approximately 56,000 hours. They donated more than $80,000 for the hospital from various fundraisers as well as profits from the Pink Placebo Gift Shop.

Volunteers are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service and support while respecting the dignity, individuality and cultural diversity of patients, volunteers and the community in which they serve. Volunteers adhere to the same standards of conduct expected of paid staff.

Volunteer Services primarily involve:

• delivering patient mail,
• flowers and newspapers;
• serving as patient representatives;
• serving as liaisons in surgery, ICCU and Same Day Services;
• staffing and operating the hospital gift shop;
• assisting with patient transport in admissions and physical therapy;
• operating the coffee cart for patients and family members;
• assisting with cardiac rehab classes;
• providing outreach program for stroke and heart attack victims;
• providing child development literature and educational assistance to new mothers;
• supporting grounds maintenance;
• operating the baby picture program and innumerable other jobs as requested.

Active MMC volunteers (working at least fifty hours a year) are entitled to: discounted meals in the cafeteria while on duty; discounts in the hospital gift shop; free lab work and health risk assessments; in-service education programs; accrual of hours and recognition at the annual awards banquet; participate in seminars and other special privileges.

One of the many community events Volunteer Services participates in is their "Fashions by Les' Volundears". This humorous fashion show is an innovative program designed by a team of volunteers at MMC.

The show is billed as an alternative approach to fashion. From penny loafers (shoes with pennies glued on them) to bell-bottom trousers (men's slacks with bells sewn on the bottom) the show is a definite satirical look at fashion.

The fashion show is performed annually in front of approximately 1500 people, including professional organizations, church groups, other hospitals, the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, civic organizations and Lockheed Martin retirees. It was presented twice at Opryland Hotel for THA Council on Volunteers. Elizabeth Schrader, THA State Chairman, introduced the concept at an American Hospital Association Annual Meeting as one of the most original ideas in the state for volunteer organizations.

Being a volunteer gives the opportunity to give to others and give something back to the community. Offering one's time for another's comfort brings beauty to both lives. Become a volunteer by calling (865) 835-4170. There are positions open in many areas. Call Today!