Since its inception, WakeMed has relied on volunteers as ambassadors, liaisons and educators. They serve a crucial role in making sure all our patients and their families have a positive experience while inside a WakeMed facility.

One of those special volunteers is Anne Joyner. Anne has been volunteering at the WakeMed Cary Hospital gift shop since the facility opened its doors in December 1991.

Getting Involved with WakeMed

Anne and her family moved to Cary in 1986 from Goldsboro. She spent her free time golfing and bowling while her husband traveled for work, but she was looking for more ways to get involved in her community.

In 1991, Anne lived in the Lockmere neighborhood of Cary. She noticed some development at the intersection of Tryon Road and Kildaire Farm Road — at the time this intersection was just a stop sign surrounded by forest.

“I just went up to the little mobile homes where they were beginning construction and told them I’d like to be part of the organization,” Anne recalls.

From there, she interviewed with the director of Volunteer Services at the time and told her she’d love to work in the gift shop. A very empathetic person, Anne wanted to choose a role that fit her personality and strengths — one where she would be able to interact with different people daily.

A Friendly Face at the Gift Shop

Volunteering in the gift shop keeps Anne busy, and she enjoys it. From tagging new items, restocking shelves and running the cash register, chances are if you’ve visited the WakeMed Cary Hospital gift shop on a Wednesday, you’ve seen Anne’s warm smile.

And, a warm smile is just what people need. Anne mentions that some patrons come through as a distraction if they are visiting the hospital while a loved one undergoes a procedure. She talks with them, gets to know them and offers a moment of respite in what may be a nerve-wracking time in their lives.

She also takes note of the employees she sees regularly and has formed relationships with.

“You meet a lot of nice people,” Anne says. “I see a lot of employees around 2:30 or 3:00 pm getting a little bit of chocolate to finish out their shift.”

Over 30 Years of Service

Anne says that is exactly what has kept her coming back to volunteer at WakeMed — the people. From the patients and their families to the employees and other volunteers, she has made bonds over the years that have been very impactful to her life.

“I have worked with a lot of nice ladies. My friend, Helen, has worked with me for about 17 years. Right now, we only have one person there during a shift because of the pandemic, and we are looking forward to getting back to working with each other in-person.”

The “Why” of it All

Anne says she and her family have lived a very blessed life. You can hear the joy and gratitude in her voice as she says it.

“We help because we believe in giving back. We help others along the way, and that’s what we are here to do,” she says.

And she is right — the best thing we can do is give back to others. WakeMed volunteers know this creed all too well, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of them for all they do.

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About Volunteering at WakeMed

WakeMed and its patients have been fortunate to have strong volunteer support from the community since 1961, and we believe that volunteers are a vital element in our effort to provide quality care for our patients. Countless hours as well as dollars have been contributed by dedicated volunteers and their families over the years.

We have room for you too to give back to the hospital, patients and your community. We will work with you so that your service to the community through the Volunteer Services department is a fulfilling, rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Learn more about volunteering at WakeMed.