Staff Photo by Bryan SchutzAmerican fled Cross 2002 Volunteer of the Year Doris Niemants prepares to visit patients at MMSC with flowers and mail.
Volunteer of the Year
The Iowa River Chapter of the American Red Cross recently announced its 2002 Volunteer of the Year: Doris Niemants.
For three decades, Niemants has been committed to helping others,” her only reward the smiles of patients at MMSC as she delivers flowers to their rooms or drops off mail for them.
Its gratifying to do something for someone who can't return the favor,” Niemants said of the hundreds of hours and thousands of visits she has made during her 30 years with the Red Cross.
When Niemants found out she had won the award, she was quite surprised – a well as humbled.
I really was surprised. particularly with the disasters of the past year,” she said.
“I felt like what I did wasn't really important.
The Red Cross, however, recognized the contributions Niemants has made to the community, awarding her “for her dedication and significant contributions as MMSC Coordinator, scheduling and substituting in all kinds of weather.”
Up until very recently, Niemants acted as the volunteer coordinator at Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center—ensuring The Iowa River Chapter someone was always on hand to brighten the days of the ill and injured of the community. Between vacations, busy work schedules and bad weather, ensuring the position was filled could be very challenging, she said.
“Many times people can't make it in bad weather and it's hard to expect someone to risk their lives to volunteer.” Niemants said.
Bad weather has not stopped her, however.
“I have to give credit to my husband: there has been more than once when he's brought me here in horrendous weather.” she said.
In addition to delivering flowers and mail, Niemants' volunteering duties also include maintaining a clergy book, which allows local clergy to find members of their congregations and visit them. Niemants also participates in the Telefriend program, where volunteers call persons usually confined to home and living alone.
“It's great to bring joy to people,” she said. “There are so many different areas to volunteer in at the hospital.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with the American Red Cross should call 753-3317.