News

Actions

Grandchild's illness leads to volunteer work

Posted at 6:07 PM, Feb 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-11 23:57:20-05

Donna Matson says her grandchildren are responsible for her years of volunteer work at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Back in 2003, her granddaughter Kayla spent 10 days in the hospital and was so impressed with the volunteers and junior volunteers, she asked to become one.  Kayla was a junior volunteer at the hospital for four years.

About the same time, Matson’s grandson volunteered at the hospital.  The two teamed up to get grandma to volunteer as well.

“They encouraged me, ‘if we’re doing it, why don’t you share some of your time and do it too,’” she remembered when talking to Denver7.  “Well, I became a volunteer about 10 years ago and it’s been one of the greatest times of my life and I just appreciate the privilege to greet families and visit with the children and do whatever is needed of the volunteers.”

Matson is one of the more than 20 volunteers being honored this month by Denver7 and US Bank for everything they do to help others and Matson’s done a lot.  She has a volunteer vest full of buttons and ribbons given to her by many of the patients at the hospital whose lives she’s touched.

“It’s very heart warming.  I’m a greeter at the front door and as these families come in, they are coming in for a reason.  They are hoping our hospital can fulfill their child’s needs and make life better for them,” she said. “The opportunities here are unbelievable.  I go home with a full heart every day that I’m here.”

You can visit the website for Children’s Hospital Colorado to learn more about  the volunteer opportunities available and the services the hospital offers.