Samaritan Introduces Volunteer Service Award
Published on: December 19, 2023
WATERTOWN, NY – At Samaritan, we have volunteers who serve at the hospital, long term care facilities, special events, off-site offices, and on various boards of our respective entities. Initiated in 2023, HIVE (Helpful Indeed – Volunteering Excellence) Award is a way to honor those volunteers who have contributed an extraordinary level of dedication, and shown exceptional service to Samaritan while consistently demonstrating the HEART values, which are Honest, Empathetic, Accountable, Respectful, and Trustworthy.
Why HIVE? The beehive is symbolic of teamwork, unity, growth, and development. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a volunteer. We need each other to care for our community.
The HIVE Award complements the existing DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® and the BEE Award (Being Excellent Every Day) honoring other outstanding staff members who support patient care, at the hospital and all outpatient clinics. Altogether, we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.
The inaugural recipient of the HIVE Award is Mary Martuzas. Mary served as an employee of the Samaritan Auxiliary operated gift shops before stepping into a volunteer role. Mary has consistently demonstrated the HEART values throughout her time as a volunteer. Mary volunteers in the gift shop at Samaritan Summit Village two days a week. She has held this volunteer position since the gift shop re-opened after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manager of Volunteer Services Amanda Bradbury said, “Mary goes above and beyond, getting to know each of the residents that frequent the gift shop, knowing their likes and dislikes and always ensuring the gift shop has what the residents need and want. Mary recognizes that many residents do not have the opportunity to shop outside of the facility so she works hard to make sure the gift shop is well stocked for those residents with items that are affordable. Mary is on a first name basis not only with the residents but with the staff that shop the gift shop, as well. Mary always greets residents with a smile, a warm welcome and a helping hand making sure they feel happy and valued with their interaction.”
Those interested in recognizing a Samaritan volunteer may submit an online nomination at samaritanhealth.com/hive there are also paper nomination forms available at the Medical Center and Samaritan Summit Village gift shops.