A celebration of many thousands of hours of volunteer assistance provided to patients and staff during the 119 year history of Topeka State Hospital (TSH) is scheduled for Friday, March 21 at the hospital.

The volunteer celebration will be held in the Southard Building between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. It will include a cookout lunch.

To honor both past and present TSH volunteers, the hospital will hold an awards ceremony. Superintendent Randy Proctor and Volunteer Coordinator Debra Hepp will present appreciation gifts and certificates during a ceremony scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

Volunteers at TSH have been active in many hospital programs and have been key to their success. Volunteers have done everything from baking cookies for patients to helping with activities and therapy or providing office and clerical assistance. Or, in some cases, just providing someone for patients with mental illness to talk to.

"No mere words will ever convey our appreciation for volunteers, past and present, at Topeka State Hospital," Proctor said. "This small public recognition is our attempt to thank those people who have helped for so many years."

Everyone involved with the hospital -- patients, volunteers, and employees -- are invited to take part in the volunteer celebration. A Farm Friends Petting Zoo along with magicians, clowns and a special performance by the Slagle Singers will be part of the festivities.

In conjunction with the celebration, a volunteer fair will also be held. About 15 local organizations who depend on volunteer assistance will have booths set up at the Southard Building. These organizations will be on hand to offer other volunteer opportunities for interested people.

For information and to RSVP, please contact TSH Volunteer Coordinator Debra Hepp at 296-4249.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001