Volunteers inspire with commitment to service
Every April, we celebrate National Volunteer Week, recognizing MultiCare volunteers’ impact on patients, their loved ones and our care teams.
In 2024 alone, 1,350 volunteers donated 257,841 hours of their time, and 84 volunteers transitioned to full-time staff, energized to pursue a career at MultiCare.
We’re incredibly thankful for people like Anne Phan, Jane Pauley, Nasir King, Patti Delbuono and hundreds of others who make compassionate care possible across our communities.
Paying exceptional care forward
Born and raised in Olympia, Anne Phan still remembers the kindness she experienced at Capital Medical Center (not yet under the MultiCare name) when her grandma was admitted in 2017 just before her passing. 
“The interactions we had with staff during that period led me to decide to volunteer at the hospital and give back to the community that made my family’s final moments with my grandma a little more bearable,” she shares.
Since 2023, Phan has volunteered with the Fall Prevention team, helping keep patients safe and supported. On a given day, she may bring a patient a blanket or glass of water, engage them in conversation, educate them on potential injury risks or train a new volunteer on her team.
As an aspiring physician assistant, Phan appreciates any opportunity to brighten a patient’s stay.
“The best part is definitely seeing patients warm up to me when they realize that I’m there to provide comfort and whatever else they may need,” she reflects. “When they say things like, ‘Thank you so much for dropping by; I really appreciate you checking on me,’ I really feel like I’m helping make their experience more positive.”
Serving up comfort and collectibles
Jane Pauley became acquainted with MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital as a junior in high school. As part of a Mary Bridge Brigade Junior Orthopedic Guild, she learned the joy of giving back as she raised funds for her local children’s hospital. 
Today, Pauley is a proud member of the Brigade’s Chambers Creek Guild and a volunteer for the Mary Bridge Children’s gift shop, a role she’s held since January 2023.
In the Puget Sound region, five gift shops operate out of MultiCare facilities. Twenty-one volunteers, including Pauley, welcome patients, staff and visitors to their respective store, ring up purchases and handle new inventory.
“Where else can you help support people experiencing the joy of the birth of a new baby and the sadness of a life-changing diagnosis in one location?” she explains. “I get so much joy from helping people ‘feel better’ in any way I can, from selling a candy bar for energy to a beautiful bouquet of flowers for someone in the hospital, or just listening to someone share.”
Finding community through acts of service
When Nasir King moved to East Pierce County nearly five years ago, he was looking to connect with his new neighborhood. In 2023, he began volunteering at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital and established that bond. 
After volunteering for the medical-surgical floor and Children’s Therapy Unit, King now serves the emergency department, ensuring patients and their families are comforted during their visit.
“Positively affecting my neighbors, directly or indirectly, is immensely fulfilling,” he says.
King’s college studies opened his eyes to health care as a vocation, and he’s completing pre-med coursework before applying to medical school. He wants to focus on public health and preventive medicine, motivated by a recognition of underserved communities and having witnessed his own family members’ and friends’ lack of access to health care.
No matter where King’s educational journey takes him, his time at MultiCare has left a lasting imprint.
“I believe volunteering fills the soul, and volunteers are the foundation of a thriving community,” he shares.
Joining a team that leads with respect, kindness
As a retiree, Patti Delbuono sought a position where she could show kindness, put a smile on someone’s face and possibly brighten their day. 
Having frequented MultiCare Valley Hospital for the past 50 years as both a visitor and patient, she couldn’t think of a better place to volunteer than her community hospital.
Delbuono has worked in the outpatient lobby as a greeter for a year now.
“I find that greeting patients and visitors with a smile and warmth, along with occasional humor, makes them feel valued and welcome,” she says.
Her other duties include wheeling discharged patients to their waiting vehicles and keeping the main entrance and waiting area spick-and-span.
Delbuono further values being part of a team that’s been there when she’s needed them most.
“The entire staff, from physicians, registered nurses, kitchen employees, etc., have always treated my family, friends and myself with respect and kindness,” she explains. “I am truly fortunate to be a part of this amazing team!”
