Silver Cross Hospital Celebrates 67 Years of Volunteer Service During National Volunteer Week

As National Volunteer Week is celebrated April 19–25, Silver Cross Hospital is honoring 67 years of volunteer service, recognizing hundreds of individuals and volunteer organizations whose generosity has shaped patient care and strengthened the community for generations. 

Silver Cross’ volunteer program began in 1959 with just 25 women. Today, it includes more than 400 volunteers and 10 pet therapy dogs who contribute over 34,000 hours of service each year across more than 35 hospital areas. From assisting patients and families to supporting staff and special programs, volunteers remain a vital part of the Silver Cross Experience. 

“Our volunteers are the heart of this hospital,” said Laura Valencik, Director of Guest & Volunteer Services. “Although their roles have evolved over the decades, the compassion and commitment they bring has never changed.” 

Programs such as Pet Therapy visits, the Kindness Kart, the Silver Service Cart and birthday celebrations create moments of comfort, joy and connection throughout the hospital, offering reassurance to patients and families during challenging times. 

Honoring a Legacy of Giving

Silver Cross also celebrates several longstanding volunteer organizations whose impact reaches far beyond the hospital walls:

• The Advisory Board of Silver Cross Hospital, celebrating its 135th anniversary, and the Encore Resale Shop, marking 65 years, together donated $178,900 this year to support hospital programs and services.
• Childerguild, founded 116 years ago and now comprised of 60 members, contributed an extraordinary $560,000 in February to advance Women’s and Children’s Services.
• The King’s Daughters and Sons, founders of the original hospital in 1895, continue their mission today through the Silver Belles Circle, raising funds for the Silver Cross Inpatient Dialysis Unit through annual Bunco and other fundraisers. 

Celebrating Our Volunteers

To kick off National Volunteer Week, Silver Cross hosted its Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on April 19 at Bolingbrook Golf Club, honoring volunteers for their years of service and dedication. 

“Our volunteers are more than just helpers. They are an essential thread in the fabric of Silver Cross. They have stood by us through decades of growth, ensuring that every patient who walks through our doors feels seen, heard and cared for,” added Valencik. 

Among those celebrated are two remarkable volunteers whose stories reflect the spirit of service at Silver Cross: Jack Gleason and Marge Persico. 

Four Miles, Four Days and a Lifetime of Service

At 92 years old, Jack Gleason arrives at Silver Cross Hospital with purpose, a smile and his volunteer vest – ready to welcome everyone who walks through the doors. 

Jack has volunteered at Silver Cross since June 2021, serving four days a week at the main information desk. He greets visitors, helps them check in, escorts them to appointments and retrieves wheelchairs – moving with an energy that has earned him more than one friendly reminder to slow down. 

A lifelong Joliet resident who lives just four miles from the hospital, Jack spent his career in retail and wholesale sales before retiring in 1995. Staying active has always been his priority. In addition to volunteering at Silver Cross, he dedicates five hours a week to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery as an Honor Squad Leader and serves as a lector at his church. 

Jack is also a proud U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea with the Second Division. His guiding philosophy—do unto others as you would have them do unto you—shows in every greeting and kind word he offers. 

“I get thanked for everything I do,” Jack said. “I get the self‑satisfaction people are always looking for – I’ve found it.” 

Two Decades; 11,000 Hours; One Remarkable Volunteer

When Marge Persico retired in 2006, she wasted no time finding her next purpose. Within a month, she joined Silver Cross Hospital as a volunteer and 20 years later, she remains one of its most dedicated. 

Marge recently surpassed 11,000 volunteer hours, a milestone celebrated during the Recognition Luncheon. She staffs the Procedural Care Unit desk on Mondays and Tuesdays, helps visitors at the main lobby front desk on Fridays, and often stays beyond her scheduled shift to assist wherever needed. She also serves on the Patient Family Advisory Council, offering insight to improve the patient and family experience. 

Before volunteering, Marge built a successful career at Caterpillar and later extended her service into retirement through community boards and arts organizations. Known for her upbeat personality and steady presence, she brings clarity and comfort to patients and families each day. 

“I’m here because I want to help,” Marge said. 

Even during the COVID‑19 pause in volunteering, her desire to return never wavered. Today, she has no plans to slow down. 

Together, Jack and Marge represent what volunteerism means at Silver Cross – showing up, caring deeply and making a difference, one interaction at a time. 

Would you like to volunteer at Silver Cross Hospital? Learn more at silvercross.org or call (815) 300-5365.