The activities department at St. Joseph of the Pines Health Center on Camp Easter Road in Southern Pines, is seeking a few volunteers to concentrate their time on the two extended-stay rehabilitation floors.

Two hours minimum each week will be necessary to address the activity needs of the patients on these halls through the use of various games and materials provided by the activity coordinator.

St. Joseph of the Pines welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and religious affiliations. "We are very volunteer-friendly," says Jeralie Andrews, director of volunteer services for St. Joseph of the Pines Health System. "We understand that our volunteers have their own families, hobbies, and interests and we try to work with them when scheduling their duties at St. Joseph Health Center and elsewhere in the organization."

In addition to the request for men and women to volunteer with activities on the extended-stay rehabilitation halls, visitor/companions, who focus attention on one or two residents each visit on the long-term skilled nursing floors, are being recruited. These are volunteers who are assigned to individuals who the social workers, nurses, or activity coordinator suggests would benefit from having a friendly stranger sit with them and chat, read a story, or take a stroll around the building.

"Our visitor/companions are given a resident's name and a little bit of background information to get them started on this rewarding activity," says Andrews. "We have volunteers who have been visiting the same resident for many years, and others who are supplied almost weekly with a new name to add to their list."

For someone preferring to accept responsibility for running the Thursday morning bingo game at the assisted living community of the Coventry, a big crowd can be guaranteed at the bingo tables.

"However, if your preference leans more toward greeting visitors and residents from a concierge's desk at the brand new Overlook at Pine Knoll complex on Central Drive, that can be arranged for you as well," Andrews notes.

St. Joseph of the Pines enjoys the benefits of a large volunteer corps whose members work closely with associates in almost all departments.

"In turn, these dedicated, exceptional folks can be confident in the fact they are appreciated and looked to for their special skills and talents that enhance the quality of life for our residents and patients," says Andrews.

St. Joseph of the Pines also welcomes assisted pet therapy volunteers with dogs certified as therapy dogs through Therapy Dogs International, Inc. For more information about this activity and the others named above, call Andrews at 246-1139.

St. Joseph of the Pines is sponsored by the Sisters of Providence and is a member of Catholic Health East. It includes the Health Center, Rehabilita-tion Center, Coventry, Belle Meade Retirement Resort, Villas at Pine Knoll, Overlook at Pine Knoll, and affordable senior living at Providence Place and Red Springs.