NRH Volunteer Program Celebrates 70th Anniversary 

(EMPORIA, KS) In 2025, the Newman Regional Health Volunteer Program will celebrate its 70th anniversary. The program began in 1955 when Mary Louise Newman, the wife of George Newman’s grandson (the hospital’s namesake), was elected as the first president of the Auxiliary. 

During the 1950s and 1960s, volunteers baked pies for the geriatric wards, sewed cancer dressings, and raised funds to renovate the nurses’ quarters. Their fundraising efforts also led to the opening of a Snack Bar in the hospital lobby, which still serves delicious food and homemade desserts today. 

In 1965, the Auxiliary awarded its first nursing scholarship. Since then, volunteers have continued to support students pursuing careers in healthcare. Since 2005 alone, they have awarded $150,000 in scholarships. 

Volunteers also played a vital role during the 1974 tornado, serving food to workers and victims. A paid volunteer coordinator position was established in 1990 to support the growing program. During the 2000s, fundraising efforts increased, allowing the Auxiliary to purchase essential hospital equipment, including nursery isolettes, electric beds, and anesthesia machines. 

In 2010, the volunteers pledged $100,000 over five years to help build the new Emergency Department. Around that time, blue smocks replaced the traditional “Pink Lady” uniforms as more men joined the volunteer team. 

To date, NRH Volunteers have donated nearly $700,000 to the hospital. Today, they continue to serve by staffing information desks in the main hospital lobby, medical office building, and same-day surgery unit. Volunteers also operate the Snack Bar and Gift Shoppe and assist with mail delivery. 

If you are interested in becoming an NRH Volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Storrer at 620-343-6800, extension 22525. 

Recently, a few of the volunteers met with leaders of Newman Regional Health to celebrate their service and generosity.