Volunteers at St. Mary’s Health System in Lewiston span a wide range of ages and backgrounds. The hospital’s comprehensive program welcomes junior volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17; university and college students, who hail from local schools; and adult volunteers, who are often retired.

One such volunteer is Frank Pippin. Frank is 80 years old and lives in Auburn. He has volunteered at St. Mary’s for more than six years and has logged nearly 800 hours of dedicated service. He typically comes in three days per week for a 90-minute shift. He’s responsible for overseeing mail delivery and outgoing mail pickup throughout all four floors of the hospital. Frank is well-known for being enthusiastic, outgoing, and helpful — and his mail cart is an extension of his fun personality.

“I really enjoy being out and about, staying active, seeing staff, patients, and visitors — and making them smile,” shares Frank. “So far this year, I’ve decorated my mail cart for the New Year, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter. Next up will be Independence Day.”

Diana, Frank’s wife of 59 years, who is also active in the community, often helps with decorating the cart.

“It’s fun for us to do it together, and she’s a little bit more creative than I am,” says Frank.

How It Began

Frank had been retired for about five years. He and Diana often visited the local senior center to socialize with friends and enjoy different activities. One day, St. Mary’s volunteer coordinator visited the center to connect with seniors, tell them about open volunteer positions, and ask if anyone was interested in volunteering.

“It sounded like a wonderful opportunity to give back to my community. It has been over six years now, and I would not change a thing. My favorite part of volunteering is getting to interact with so many different and terrific people. Everyone is friendly and my decorated mail cart is a great conversation starter. People really like it, and that makes me happy,” says Frank.

Mariah Rinck, patient experience manager, adds, “Frank has quite a large fan club at the hospital. He is dependable, friendly, and engaged, which makes him a great fit for volunteering.”

To learn more about junior, university and college student, and adult volunteer opportunities, please visit St. Mary’s website or email volunteerservices@stmarysmaine.com.