SOUTHEAST VOLUNTEER EAVES NAMED AUXILIAN OF THE YEAR

Hazel Eaves summed up her 35-year career at Southeast Missouri Hospital succinctly: "I like it here."

Eaves, 78, of Cape Girardeau was recently named the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries' 1995 Auxilian of the Year.

"A friend of mine and I, when they first started this, were looking for volunteer work, so we decided we would come here," Eaves said. "So we started out here together."

Eaves is assistant treasurer of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary. She volunteers 12 to 15 hours a week at the hospital.

She described herself as a jack-of-all-trades: She works at the hospital snack bar, information desk, food service and marketing departments, and cardiothoracic unit waiting room. She also assists volunteers with transportation to the hospital helps deliver flower arrangements.

"One of the reasons I like it is I enjoy being useful," said Eaves. "I feel like I'm not wasting my time. I like the hospital and the people I'm associated with, and it gives me a good feeling knowing when I go home that I've at least tried to help someone."

Eaves has volunteered more than 10,000 hours,

"It's a challenge and it's interesting," she said. "You meet all kinds of people. You feel sorry for them, and all you can do is be nice and listen if they want to talk."

James W. Wente, Southeast administrator, said Eaves is "truly demonstrative of the fundamental values upon which this nation was built."

"We're very proud of Hazel and all that she has done and continues to do for Southeast," Wente said. "She is respected for her abilities and commitment to give her best for the benefit of others. Hazel, and all of our more than 400 volunteers, epitomize the spirit of Southeast. We're very grateful to all of them."

Eaves assists with annual fund-raising events for the hospital's foundation, blood drives, tours, open houses, health fairs, and sewing and crafts projects.

She has been involved for many years with Centenary United Methodist Church and Salvation Army.

She was named Auxilian of the Year at the Missouri Hospital Association's Annual Convention and Trade Show in Osage Beach last week.