Bayside Hospital Volunteer Wins Statewide Award For 'Exemplary' Work

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — In 2019, Janette DeLuca started volunteering her time with infants at St. Mary's hospital in Bayside, a healthcare facility that serves children with disabilities and complex medical needs.

Many of the hospital's programs were put on hold the following year amid the pandemic, but St. Mary's asked a small numbers of volunteers to staff the COVID screening desk during the summer of 2020.

Among the first to offer help was DeLuca, who started volunteering every Monday at a check in desk where she made sure that people entering the building were in good health.

DeLuca is now being honored for her willingness to lend a helping hand with the 2022 Senior Adult Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by the New York State Health Facilities Association and New York State Center for Assisted Living (NYSHFA/NYSCAL).

"Janette’s willingness to pitch in whenever and wherever is needed has been a great help during these trying times. We greatly appreciate her and are happy she is part of our program," said Maggie Sidarous, administrator of St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, in a statement.

In addition to screening people for COVID symptoms, DeLuca took on additional responsibilities, like training new volunteers and coming in for extra weekly shifts.

"Her volunteerism is truly exemplary and deserving of this prestigious award," added Sidarous.

DeLuca's award will be formally presented next month at a banquet at the NYSHFA/NYSCAL annual conference.

St. Mary's itself offers award-winning services for children with special needs, including the state's only in-patient care and medical day care program for children.

The hospital made headlines earlier this year when its received a $20M donation, marking the hospital's largest-ever gift on behalf of its services, which 90 percent of families can't afford on their own.