National Volunteer Week: Service that strengthens our communities

April 17, 2026 | By Nick Baumingham

April 19-25 marks National Volunteer Week, when we celebrate the thousands of individuals who give their time and talent to support patients and transform our communities.

In 2025, 2,055 volunteers provided 189,533 hours of service across MultiCare’s hospitals and clinics, from assisting care teams and staffing gift shops to bringing comfort through pet therapy. What’s more, 118 volunteers transitioned to staff roles, further strengthening MultiCare’s workforce.

Meet three volunteers — Alex Zamora, Cassie DeView and Michael Berman — making a difference day after day.

Comfort when needed most

As a University of Washington Tacoma undergrad studying biomedical sciences, Alex Zamora began volunteering in the emergency department at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital to gain valuable patient care experience. She quickly fell in love with making a positive impact on kids and families.

“Whether it’s getting coffee for parents, coloring with a child or providing a warm blanket, each encounter is different and intrinsically rewarding,” Zamora shares. “Any ounce of comfort I can give a family is so encouraging.”

It’s the small moments of meaningful connection that stay with her. Zamora recalls a patient’s eyes lighting up when she brought them hot chocolate, and on another occasion sitting with a shy young girl who slowly warmed up as they colored together, eventually laughing and chatting by the time her parents arrived.

“I started volunteering to make an impact on others, but each day I show up to a shift, I leave changed — more impacted by the families and patients I interact with,” she reflects.

Zamora hopes her acts of kindness help patients feel seen and cared for, while also inspiring others to give back.

“I hope to encourage others that you can make an impact on your community by giving some of your time and seeking to meet the needs of others, instead of your own, for a few hours,” she says.

A career of caring

Since 2025, Cassie DeView has been a steady presence in the medical‑surgical and emergency departments at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital. In addition to supporting staff with tasks such as cleaning, equipment stocking and helping with discharges, she’s always there for patients with a snack, drink or hygiene item — or just ready to listen.

“I provide an ear in a space where people are often scared or feel unheard, and I do my best to help them feel validated and safe,” DeView explains.

She’s helped train new volunteers and even became an intern to assist with more hospital projects and responsibilities. This spring, DeView is stepping into a full-time staff position at Allenmore.

“My passion for helping others and the amazing staff I have had the privilege to work with keeps me coming back,” she shares.

Recently accepted into the nursing program at Tacoma Community College, DeView has dreams of using her vocation to further reduce barriers to health care.

“I hope to help those in underserved communities by providing better access to services through things like mobile health units, and to help bridge the gap in services to those who need them most,” she says.

Welcoming a new season

After a few months of retirement in 2023, Michael Berman realized he wasn’t ready to sit still. Wanting to do something meaningful, he began volunteering at the MultiCare Auburn Medical Center registration desk.

“Giving back to my community seemed like the perfect way to accomplish that,” Berman says. “I can think of no other better way to spend my time and effort than helping the staff and patients of Auburn Medical Center.”

Since then, he’s been the upbeat, welcoming face patients encounter on arrival, ready to greet them, answer questions or provide helpful directions.

“My goal is to lighten their spirits if I can,” Berman explains. “A trip to the hospital can be intimidating and stressful for some people. If I can get a smile or a laugh from them, I hope it goes to easing their minds about what they’re there for.”

Over time, he’s built friendships with staff members and enjoyed meeting everyone who walks through the doors. Berman takes pride in representing the hospital, hoping each interaction reflects the high level of care offered within.

“I believe the staff at Auburn is top-notch,” he shares. “It’s a pleasure working with them and being there for them. They’re a wonderful community within that does an outstanding job.”