Lois Giles is rarely at a loss for words. That wasn't the case last Monday as fellow volunteers, friends and Memorial Health System employees honored her as she clocked her 30-thousandth hour as a volunteer at Memorial, the most ever for the System.

Giles, who is 84, has been a volunteering with Memorial since 1989, most of that time at the main entrance Information Desk where she is known for her engaging smile and easy demeanor. Giles was speechless as the crowd cheered the milestone during the surprise party.

Giles choked back tears as Memorial CEO Dick Eitel offered his appreciation and a hug, but as the cheers for "speech, speech" grew, Giles exclaimed, "Thank you, I love you all."

Working eight hours a day, four days a week, it's estimated she has given more than $560-thousand dollars back to the community. Why has she given so many hours? Giles says it's fun. "I love being at the Information Desk early in the morning to say a friendly good morning and give a smile. It starts their day off cheerfully as well as mine."

Giles is one of thousands who volunteer at Memorial helping at the Information Desk, staffing blood drives and giving tours, amongst many other tasks.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can call the Memorial Health System volunteer office, (719) 365-5298.