Octogenarians love volunteer work

WHO: Beverly G. Bibbins, 80, and George E. Bibbins, 83, Rodman, have been volunteers at Samaritan Medical Center for about 19 years.

WHAT DO YOU DO AT THE HOSPITAL?

Beverly: "We do one-half day of volunteering each week, and that's the customary time to volunteer. I work at the desk and help tell people where to go. I don't get much further than that."

George: "I go to people that have been admitted over the weekends and explain to the patients their bill of rights. I ask them if they know what their bill of rights are and I tell them they can complain about anything except the food. I also like to talk to them about anything in general."

WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER AT SAMARITAN?

Beverly:"He had a heart bypass, and I've had a liver transplant, so we feel we're giving back some of that service that has been given to us."

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?

George:"People. We wouldn't do it if we didn't like people."

Beverly:"With volunteering, you can give as much or as little as you want. People who like to work with patients can, or at the desk. It's nice to be able to direct people."

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT VOLUNTEERING?

Beverly:"Volunteering elsewhere. We also belong to a church, and I belong to a few groups at church. He's an officer in the Eastern Star. It always seems like we're busy and have family things to play around with. We're also expecting our first great-grandchild this summer."

George:"We go to the doctors."

They also like to spend time at their camp at Cranberry Lake.

WHAT CHANGES AT SAMARITAN HAVE YOU NOTICED OVER THE PAST 19 YEARS?

George:"It just changes every week, especially with the project they have going on. I worked here as an electrician for 24 years and retired in 1990. I've seen a lot."

HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO VOLUNTEER?

Beverly:"I'll try to work as long as Marty (Jones) has; she's another volunteer behind the desk. She's done it over 20 years. That's what's keeping me here now— if she does it, I can too, even though my husband and I are both in our 80s."

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE CONSIDERING VOLUNTEERING AT SAMARITAN?

George:"There's lots of volunteers here, and in most departments they need volunteer assistance."