Volunteers Bring Cheer – Welcome Snacks – to Hardworking Staff at Silver Cross Hospital

Volunteers at Silver Cross Hospital  in New Lenox donate their time for many reasons, most often, to find a way to give back for blessings they’ve received. 

Once they apply, Laura Valencik, Silver Cross’ Director of Guest and Volunteer Services, will interview them to determine what kind of duty suits them best. Sometimes, the interviewees give it away. 

“Laura called us in, and she went through the different volunteer opportunities,” said Ed Bloom of Frankfort, who interviewed alongside his wife, Pam. “When she mentioned the Kindness Kart, Laura said my eyes lit up. I guess they probably did.” 

Valencik rolled out the Kindness Kart in November 2021 as a way to spread joy to hospital departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its reception was overwhelmingly positive and remains a staff favorite nearly three years later. 

The specially designed cart is loaded with treats of all kinds, including fruit, chips, candy, popcorn and other snacks and makes the rounds throughout the hospital, powered by volunteers. 

Before retiring, Ed Bloom worked in hospitals for more than 40 years; Pam also had experience in a hospital setting. Both knew first-hand what staff goes through, especially during rough shifts. 

“Popcorn is a hot item,” Ed explains. “It usually goes first.” 

Staff are always appreciative when the Kindness Kart rolls up. 

“They’ll tell us, ‘We really needed you guys today,” Pam said. “And they’ll say, ‘You really made my day,’” Ed added. “It’s a good feeling.” 

Work to be Done

Each Tuesday, they wipe down the cart; then load it up with goodies. Often, the cart is so popular, they make a return trip to base to reload. 

And they try to visit departments that might sometimes get overlooked, like Environmental Services (EVS). “We see the EVS folks all over the hospital,” said Ed. “They take tremendous pride in what they do.” 

“They need a lot of energy; those floors don’t clean themselves,” Pam said. 

They also try to visit the “unsung heroes” in departments that work behind the scenes, like Information Technology, Lab, Pharmacy, Receiving Dock and Materials Management. 

“We have a good understanding of all the different hospital departments,” Ed said. “Working in healthcare so long has allowed us to see how everyone works together and to help recognize all the different teams at Silver Cross.” 

And sometimes, individuals. Once, a 4th floor nurse had asked for Airheads, her favorite candy, Pam remembered. 

“We didn’t have any on the cart when she asked. So, we got some when we went back to fill up. We found her again, and she said, ‘You really came back?’ That was so nice to hear.” 

And not only does the cart get decorated for various holidays, the Blooms brought smiles during the Christmas holiday when they donned authentic costumes to bring treats as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. 

A Team Effort

While the Blooms have Tuesday’s Kindness Kart run covered, Jack Fronek has Wednesdays; and Al Reams covers special events. 

Reams said he was one of the first to roll the cart around, after Valencik approached him about it. 

“I am so glad she asked me,” Reams said. “The Kindness Kart is an amazing idea, and it brings so much happiness and joy to the nursing staff and other staff. 

“On Valentine’s Day, we dressed up, and the Kart was decorated with hearts and valentines written to the nurses from area school children to say thank you for their work. The nurses just loved it.” 

Reams is a hospital ambassador now, but says he fills in when Valencik needs him. “I just love to do it. It brings so much joy.” 

Mother/Daughter Team

On Mondays, the mother/daughter team of Kathy Borello of Homer Glen and her daughter, Hannah, handle the cart. Kathy was looking for volunteer opportunities late last year, especially in a hospital setting. They wanted to find a way to give back to doctors, nurses and staff in general, for all they have done for Hannah. 

Hannah, 23, spent three months in a neonatal intensive care unit and has had many surgeries since then, Kathy said. Hannah’s personality shines through when she visits hospital staff. 

“When we met with Laura, she said you guys would be great for the Kindness Kart,” Kathy remembered. “And it has been great for Hannah as well. She is so much more responsible. She can’t wait to go to ‘work’ each Monday, and to put on her ‘doctor’s coat’ she wears as a volunteer. She helps me fill up the cart. And the people we meet have been so appreciative and welcoming of Hannah.” 

The Blooms say they look forward to their Tuesdays as well. And while they get a lot out of making the rounds with the Kindness Kart, they know it’s all about making the staff feel appreciated. Especially during the hardest of times. 

“We always thank the staff for working in healthcare,” said Pam. “We know how difficult it can be and we want to make sure they know they are appreciated. 

“After (Silver Cross President and CEO) Ruth Colby passed away, I said our first stop had to be to Administration,” Pam added, tearing up. “Ruth would have wanted that. She treated everyone like family. That was part of her vision for Silver Cross Hospital.” 

For information on volunteering at Silver Cross Hospital, call (815) 300-7117, or visit silvercross.org/giving/ways-to-give/volunteer/.