Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital will be honoring its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, for their outstanding contributions over the past year. The hospital is fortunate to have more than 300 adult and teen volunteers, and pet dog therapy volunteers dedicated to helping us achieve our mission of improving the health of our community through compassion and excellence in healthcare services. In 2011, volunteers at Henry Mayo gave more than 53,000 hours of service.

In appreciation of everything our volunteers do, Henry Mayo will host a recognition and awards luncheon on April 19 at the Hyatt Valencia. The theme of the invitation-only event will be “The Greatest Show on Earth To Honor The Greatest Volunteers on Earth.” Volunteers are welcome to dress in their circus best.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to say thank you for the time and effort  our volunteers give to our hospital, whether they are helping to raise funds or providing service,” said Maria Strmsek, DVS, CAVS, and director of volunteer services at Henry Mayo.

National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. president has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week.