Laura D’Estrada began knitting shawls for patients as a way to cope with the stress of having her seriously ill husband at Greenwich Hospital. Nine years later, D’Estrada is still knitting shawls as a volunteer.
“It feels good to be helping others,” said the Port Chester resident.
D’Estrada was among the 65 Greenwich Hospital volunteers celebrated on Thursday during a special luncheon at the Greenwich Country Club to mark National Volunteer Week. It was the first in-person celebration for the volunteer staff after a two year hiatus due to COVID-19.
“The pandemic struck fear in all of us. Your dedication and tenacity to return to Greenwich Hospital to volunteer despite that fear is inspiring,” said Marc Kosak, the hospital’s chief operation officer.
Last year, Greenwich Hospital volunteers provided 13,230 hours of service, including 3,000 hours at the Yale New Haven Health community COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Brunswick School. “Our staff and community are in awe of what you did,” Kosak told the audience.
More than 150 volunteers play a crucial role working in numerous departments throughout the organization, noted Sally Lochner, Auxiliary president. “Greenwich Hospital is a better and brighter place because of our volunteers,” added Stacey Green, director of Volunteer Services.