Hospital volunteer honored for 24,000 hours of service

Nora Busch, who began volunteering for the Eastern Long Island Hospital in 1996, was honored this week for reaching 24,000 hours of volunteer service.

The Eastern Long Island Hospital Auxiliary presented Busch with a proclamation for her dedication and outstanding career that touched thousands of lives at the Stony Brook Medicine hospital in Greenport.

Along the way, Busch has served as president of the Auxiliary, a hospital board of trustee, volunteer services treasurer, Dream Green treasurer, Corner Shop treasurer and more.

“She is an extraordinary woman,” Helene Fall, president of the ELIH Auxiliary, said in a written statement. “Together we are the common thread between 1905 and present day.”

The ELIH Auxiliary, which predates the hospital by one year, consists of about 150 dedicated women and men who contribute in excess of 23,000 volunteer hours each year. Volunteers donate their time and talent at the Opportunity Shop in Greenport, and prior to the pandemic, the Corner Shop and the front desk in the hospital lobby. They also assisted with patient transport, welcoming visitors, and performed varied clerical duties throughout the hospital on a daily basis. 

Sidelined by the pandemic, it is hoped that the volunteers will be able to return to the hospital in the next couple of months.