The Auxiliary at the Medina Healthcare System is an amazing group of ladies that have many commonalities, but all share the desire to give back to the community they live in. Each day the Auxiliary members dedicate a few hours of their day volunteering at the Medina Regional Hospital Gift Shop. This shop is volunteer led and all profits go back to the healthcare system to use for strategic investments or initiatives.
This year, the Medina County Hospital District Auxiliary is pleased to recognize Phyllis French as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Phyllis currently serves as the Treasurer for the Auxiliary and is the resident technology expert for the team. Many of you know Phyllis and her family, but here is a little history of how she became a part of the Auxiliary.
Phyllis and her husband moved to Hondo in 1975. Where they opened and ran the Sheet Metal Shop on 15th street next to the tax office. Their 3 children went to Hondo ISD until they graduated. Their son moved to Houston to pursue a career and the two girls stayed and worked in Hondo after graduation. For several years, Phyllis’ daughters Tricia and Michelle were seen working together at Radio Shack and it was always fun when the French girls were at the store together.
Certainly, the family had a passion for serving the community of Hondo from the time they moved here. Things did, however, change in the early 2000’s for the French family. “My husband passed away in 2006 and my life changed,” stated Phyllis. “We had bought the drive thru beverage barn in Castroville, and I had to run it on my own. Certainly, it was a learning experience. When I got off work, I would go hang out at Radio Shack and catch up with all that was happening around town. One day while at Radio Shack, I ran into Georgia Ann Pope. She asked if I would be interested in volunteering at the gift shop, and I said yes.” This was the start of over 15 years of serving the residents of Medina County through the Auxiliary.
When thinking about this commitment to join the Auxiliary team, Phyllis states, “I suppose I would say I enjoy it. I know so many people and love seeing and talking to people I do not know. Some people like to talk while shopping at the gift shop and some do not. Either way, I love to tell them all Good Morning with a smile on my face.”
To the 2023 Volunteer of the Year, Ms. Phyllis French, thank you for your commitment to our mission of providing quality care close to home. We are grateful to you for your years of service and dedication.
Congratulations.