Vaccines have been swiftly going into the arms of residents at the St. Thomas Memorial Arena vaccination clinic since it first opened just over 2 weeks ago.
But a lot goes into the daily operation of the facility, and no one knows that more than the roughly 40 volunteers who have been spending their days helping out.
Sandi Hoffer, who is a member of the Catholic Women’s League and a local walking group, helped to coordinate the volunteers desperately needed by Southwestern Public Health.
The health unit was in search of local service groups willing to volunteer their time and that’s when Hoffer put the call out to her two groups and her husband Case reached out to the men at the Knights of Columbus.
She says by the end of the day, they had plenty of yeses!
Hoffer says that at this time the health unit utilizes up to 20 volunteers a day.
The group continues to spend their mornings and afternoons assisting in the clinic in various roles. Some tasks include sanitizing stations, helping guest navigate the clinic and checking in.
Hoffer says the group of volunteers have really been enjoying the experience.
She says one of the best feelings is seeing the excitement and the joy in the room as people prepare for their first shot.
She adds that she is overwhelmed by the amount of support and time the volunteers have already given.
