Donations Help Silver Cross Deliver Smiles to Patients Who Need a Lift … Or Puzzle Books
Silver Cross Volunteer Mark Sylvester pushes the Silver Service Cart throughout the hospital offering convenience items such as puzzle books and reading glasses to patients. Mark Sylvester already had been working as a volunteer for seven years in various departments at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox when he was recently asked to take on a new “roll,” so to speak.
Laura Valencik, Silver Cross Director of Guest and Volunteer Services, knew that Sylvester, a retired salesperson, enjoyed working directly with people … and keeping moving, whether pushing a wheelchair or driving patients and visitors in a golf cart from their cars to the front door of the hospital.
“Laura asked me if I would be willing to push the Silver Service Cart, which they were starting to use to help patients who needed a few items. So, I said, sure!”
The new cart was funded by the Rotary Club of Joliet, and the Holly Club of Joliet helps keep it stocked. Sylvester and a few other volunteers roll the cart through a few floors each week with free convenience and comfort items that include:
Chap-sticks
Eye Glass Cleaner
Tissue
First Aid Kit
Puzzle books
Coloring Books
Sleep Eye Mask
Blankets
Magazines
and Reading glasses
“Holly Club has a long-standing tradition of supporting the work of Silver Cross Hospital,” said Dr. Sandra Martin Renner, Holly Club Treasurer.
“The Silver Service Cart provides comfort to patients who may not have been prepared for their stay in the hospital. Helping these people in a compassionate manner matches the mission of Holly Club – to enhance the value of life for individuals and families within our community.”
“After the struggles of the past few years, the need for hope and support is greater than ever affecting not only those with diagnosed needs but those who serve, comfort and support,” Cepela said.
“The Rotary Club of Joliet #78 is proud to partner with Silver Cross Hospital to help fund its Silver Service Cart. We look forward to working with the hospital to deliver kindness as ambassadors of the cart.”
Brightening Their Days
Valencik and Volunteer Coordinator Xiomara Roebuck said the items offered are a small way to make the experience for patients a little brighter.
And if a patient happens to be in the hospital on their birthday, they’ll get a gift bag with some fun and practical items.
“You’d be surprised how many people are in the hospital on their birthday,” Valencik said.
Roebuck added that the faces of staff brighten when they see the cart coming around, knowing there are patients who need a smile … or a pair of reading glasses.
Sylvester said he’s seen those faces. The most popular item are the multi-puzzle books, coloring books and cards.
“Some aren’t in the mood for a visit; some aren’t able to because of quarantining. If they know, the nurses will ask for something on their behalf,” he said.
Sylvester said his 100+ visits each Tuesday bring plenty of smiles. But sometimes patients just need a reassuring presence, and Sylvester delivers on that too.
“There was one woman, a patient, who was told there was nothing more they could do for her. I spent more than a half hour with her, just holding her hand. … It kind of gets you a little bit.
“I usually wind up getting more than I give. And if I can bring a smile to someone, that means everything.”
To donate items for the Silver Service Cart, contact the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 300-7105. For volunteer opportunities, please fill out an interest form on the Silver Cross website.
