RUSSELL — Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital celebrated National Volunteer Week by hosting an appreciation luncheon for its volunteers on Thursday at Bellefonte Pavilion on the OLBH campus. It was the 40th year for the annual event and WSAZ news anchor Tim Irr served as the occasion’s guest speaker.

OLBH offers many opportunities for community members to volunteer in assisting the hospital in fulfilling its ministry of healing. OLBH’s 63 volunteers contributed more than 8,000 hours during the last year in a variety of hospital area’s, including the gift shop, patient waiting areas, information desk, Meals on Wheels deliveries and more. In total, OLBH’s current volunteers have given 105,292 total combined hours during their many years of service.

“This week celebrates volunteerism and we at OLBH celebrate the amazing women and men who come to OLBH every day to give of their time for the betterment of our patients and visitors,” said OLBH Director of Foundation and Community Services Luann Serey. During the luncheon, the guests of honor were awarded pins recognizing their total hours of volunteer time. Naomi Runyon was recognized for her more than 9,000 hours of volunteer service during her many years serving the patients and staff of OLBH.

To learn about becoming a hospital volunteer, call 606-833-4078. For more information concerning OLBH, visit BonSecours.com.