Busy Mother, Grandmother and Mentor Makes Room for Volunteering

During the day, Lessie Sanders works at the Houston Independent School District as a teacher’s assistant, then goes home to attend to her family as a grandmother, mother, and mentor. In 1998, Sanders decided to add one more job to her list, volunteering her time and energy at Harris County Hospital District’s Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital.

"I enjoy volunteering at the hospital district because it gives me an opportunity to help meet the patients’ needs," said Sanders. "I leave my shift with a wonderful feeling knowing that I have made a difference in someone else’s life."

Sanders divides her volunteer time between the nursery and the "Sunshine Program." The Sunshine Program was created to provide patients with personal care items, books and magazines.

The volunteers who participate in this program directly help patients by providing necessary items, and by visiting and interacting with them.

"We are so grateful to have a volunteer like Lessie who dedicates her time and energy to the hospital," said Dede McClamroch, district director of Volunteer Services. "Her social nature and outgoing personality enable her to easily connect with patients."Sanders works alongside the nurses to create a loving and caring atmosphere for the babies born at LBJ Hospital. Aside from her volunteer work at LBJ, Sanders enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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