ERMC Auxiliary members visit with Escandon Elementary staff, who donated 2,007 books to Edinburg Children's Hospital.

South Texas Health System has a dedicated group of more than 400 people who share their time and talent to provide the very best help to patients and their families.

"Volunteering also helps improve the emotional and physical health of volunteers," says Joel Pena, System Director for Auxiliary Volunteers at South Texas Health System. "It improves self-esteem, affirms personal values and aids in personal development."

South Texas Health System has two groups of volunteers. The largest is the Auxiliary, which is made up of adults who donate not only their time to hospital departments, but also provide scholarships, continuing education and donations to employees and not-for-profit community organizations.

Junior Volunteers are young men and women, many from the local high schools, South Texas College and the University of Texas Pan American, who volunteer for educational goals and work experience.

Volunteer opportunities include: patient care; emergency services; dietetics; physical therapy; surgical, intensive and critical care units; and the information desk. Volunteers also help in transportation, clerical services and the hospital gift shops.

"At the end of the day, you really feel good about yourself and what you've done for others," says Marilyn Dunphy, membership president and volunteer at Edinburg Regional Medical Center (ERMC).

To learn how you can become a volunteer at South Texas Health System, call 956-632-4297.

c/o Marketing Department 1400 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, Texas 78539