Cookies mean a lot, Memorial volunteers describe

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Carole Mahler had always heard Memorial Hospital had caring, compassionate associates, and that’s what prompted her to become a volunteer.

Years later, she says all the walking also helps keep her fit. And Carole is touched by how small gestures from volunteers like her make such a difference to patients and their families.

“While passing out cookies in the intensive care waiting area, a woman took a cookie, looked at me with tears in her eyes, and said, ‘You don’t know how much this means to me.’ I got tears in my eyes,” Carole said.

Her husband, Melvin “Mel”, decided to volunteer because Carole enjoys the work and people so much.

“I like passing out cookies to visitors, especially families and children,” he says.

Mel recalls a particular humorous interaction with a youngster who took a special interest in the cookies Mel was passing out to guests.

“This particular 4-year-old wanted to take the WHOLE tray of cookies was a highlight of my time at the cookie baking station,” he says.