Imogene “Gene” Orpurt, of Niles, volunteers at the Niles Lakeland Health Hospital gift shop. Since 2001, Orpurt has ran the register and helped customers find things in the store. At least once a week, Orpurt can be found working the register and lending a helping hand.

What do you do as a volunteer?

I volunteer at the gift ship. The profit goes towards whatever is needed here at the hospital.

Why did you choose to volunteer at Lakeland Hospital?

It was local, and I live in Niles myself. It is a good institution and the people that I work with are great. I enjoy working with all of them.

How do you feel your work

makes a difference at the hospital?

Well, I am able to have the gift shop open for those that would like to buy flowers or gifts for someone in the hospital or outside of the hospital. It is a joy to serve these people.

What do you enjoy about it?

We do what we need to do it. We are an accent for the hospital.  [In the gift shop] I enjoy the chance to meet all different kinds of people and to work with other volunteers.

Why would you encourage
others to volunteers?

I think it is good for the soul. If you like people at all, you meet so many different types of people. It is a good thing.