[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 82 (Thursday, June 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE VOLUNTEERS OF ST. MARY'S/GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 1999

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize 
the volunteer corps who make up the ``backbone'' for St. Mary's/Good 
Samaritan Hospital's Centralia and Mt. Vernon campuses.
  Volunteers such as founding member Pat Bunchman, Mercedes Campbell, 
Barbara Francois, and Pauline Raines, represent some of the longest-
serving members of the volunteer group. These hospital auxiliary groups 
provide volunteer service and funding thus far of $1 million for 
patient and hospital equipment since they began their efforts.
  Pauline Raines said the volunteering needs ``patience,'' 
``commitment,'' and being a ``people-person.'' The ability for these 
tasks to be put to use and the initiative to implement these programs 
are a tribute to what the United States stands for. It is a wonderful 
thing to see American values exhibited in such a benevolent and 
rewarding program such as the hospital auxiliary groups of St. Mary's/
Good Samaritan Hospital.
  I applaud their volunteer service, and site it as a testament of 
volunteerism aiding our communities and enriching our lives.

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