Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/914694
19 Such an accomplishment is something to celebrate, and the City of Murphysboro did exactly that on August 13, 2016, when Mayor Will Stephens proclaimed it "Auxiliary Day" during an event honoring the volunteers. Currently 150 members strong, the group continues to volunteer at a place that means so much to them. "They volunteer for various reasons," explains Jamie Green, coordinator of volunteer services at St. Joseph. "Some have fond memories of the hospital because it was their first place of employment. Others received great hospital care there for their families and now feel like this is a good way to give back. There are many reasons for why they give their time to the auxiliary." Green says normally about 30 auxiliary members are active during a given year, including one unwavering woman who has been a part of the entire 60-year experience. Angeline (Angie) Schiro is a charter member and is still active, helping staff the Sunset Corner Gift Shop. Also an inspiration is Virginia Lewis, who has 58 years of service to the auxiliary. For Schiro, a continuous role in the organization is something that has always been important to her. "I just like to help people, and being a part of the auxiliary has always seemed like a good way to give back to the community," says the lifetime Murphysboro resident. "Although the organization has been involved with many different things over the years, we simply started out with a little cart to take coffee and juice to the patients." The loyalty and sense of civic responsibility illustrated by Schiro is evident in all of the St. Joseph volunteers, says Green. "Volunteers can be as active as they feel they want to be – there are no rules regarding the level of participation." For now, the 89-year-old Schiro says she plans to stay in the active category. "I am still able to work a few hours each month in the gift shop – even though age catches up with me now and then," she says with a smile. "Being involved since it first began is something I'm really proud of. The auxiliary is a big part of my life." 19 S J M H A U X I L I A R Y C E L E B R A T E S 60 Years of Service For the last six decades, the St. Joseph Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has served the citizens of southern Illinois. Since its inception, the organization has contributed more than $600,000 to hospital projects and provided more than $20,000 in scholarships to area students. In 1986, the St. Joseph Memorial Hospital Auxiliar y was the largest women's organization of its kind with 1,135 members.