Volunteer named state 2002 Auxilian of the Year

In just eight years, Ilena Aslin's vision has redefined the purpose and mission of Southeast Missouri Hospital's Auxiliary.

This Cape Girardeau woman's dedication to the Auxiliary and its mission recently earned her top honors as 2002 "Auxilian of the Year" from the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries.

"Whether it's driving a Meals on Wheels route, making change at a fund raiser, caring for family and loved ones in the Surgical Waiting Room or steering the Auxiliary's course for the future, Ilena is a torchbearer for the word 'volunteer,'" said Volunteer Services director Marge Sullivan.

Aslin received her award earlier this month during an awards luncheon at the Missouri Hospital Association's 80th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Osage Beach, Mo.

When Aslin joined Southeast's Auxiliary, she noted on her application form, "I believe in the need for volunteers and the services they provide." Since then, this local woman has given more than 3,000 hours of her time working in the surgical waiting room and at the lobby desk. She has served as a tour guide, assisted with blood drives, delivered Meals on Wheels and worked with numerous other fund raisers and special events.

Having previously served as secretary and vice-president of the Auxiliary, Aslin is currently completing her second year as president. During her tenure as president, Aslin has been instrumental in establishing a scholarship endowment fund to assist students pursuing nursing or other health care careers. This fund has grown to more than $24,000.

Another project born under Aslin's presidency has been the Auxiliary's production of handmade baby caps for all newborns at Southeast. To date, nearly 3,000 caps have been knitted or crocheted by volunteers. Aslin is also the driving force behind the newest project of photographing newborns, which is both a service to parents and a major fund raiser for the Auxiliary.

In addition to all her other accomplishments, Aslin's state award recognized her involvement with the hospital's new customer service program, "Be the difference," and her role in revitalizing the Auxiliary.

Southeast is not the only agency that benefits from Aslin's volunteerism. She also participates in a number of other community organizations, including SALT (Seniors and Lawmen Working Together), the Mission Team of the United Methodist Women, Meals on Wheels, FISH food pantry and AARP.

She is an active member of Maple United Methodist Church as well.