Gert Meyers named HNCO Volunteer of the Year

MANSFIELD – Hospice of North Central Ohio (HNCO) presented the fifth annual Sandra J. Rule Dauch Volunteer of the Year Award to Gert Meyers at What Goes ‘Round Thrift Shoppe on Dec. 15.

"Gert Meyers has been with the organization since 2000," Danielle Sutton, HNCO volunteer coordinator, said.

Meyers was involved in the board of directors, direct patient care and then began working at the Thrift Shoppe in 2008 when it opened. She has been committed to Tuesdays and Fridays every week. The longevity of the volunteers has shown commitment and speaks for itself in many ways.

"Gert was a great companion volunteer," said Ruth Lindsey, volunteer and board of directors emeritus. "She supported the families and did all she could for the patients. She has been described as a 'treasure' and a 'precious angel' by the patients she cared for."

"Gert has been a very positive joy to work with — so kind, gentle and funny — such a great volunteer to work with. We laugh a lot and have fun at work," said Deb Brown, manager of What Goes ‘Round Thrift Shoppe.

Meyers was surprised by the nomination.

"I really had no idea," she kept saying.

"We are able to fund this special awards program for our large base of volunteers and recognize our extraordinary people through the generosity of a grant received in 2015 from the Richard & Sandra J. Dauch Foundation, Charlevoix, Michigan," Ralph Tomassi, Chief Development Officer at HNCO, said. "Because this grant is an endowment fund managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, this recognition program and award will perpetuate."

The criteria for the Sandra J. Rule Dauch Volunteer of the Year Award is based on extraordinary commitment, impact, personal growth and inspiration to others. Nominations are submitted by employees and volunteers and then reviewed by a selection committee. In addition to Gert Myers, Marie Poe was last year’s recipient. Past recipients of the award were Betty Barker, Ruth Lindsey and Trish Rankin. The award is presented each November in honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

Headquartered at 1021 Dauch Drive in Ashland, Hospice of North Central Ohio serves more than 200 patients daily in Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow and Richland counties who are living with chronic and terminal illnesses.

Additionally, free continuous bereavement services are provided for hundreds of families of hospice patients and to anyone in the community experiencing grief. Call 800-952-2207 for more information. HNCO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with over 37 years of experience and a community partner of the United Way of Ashland and Knox counties.