Forrest General Ambassador Program Gives Community an Opportunity to Donate During National Volunteer Month

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (April 2, 2024) April is National Volunteer Month, and Forrest General wants to recognize its Ambassador program and salute the student volunteers who make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families.

The Ambassadors are giving the public a chance to help make an impact during National Volunteer Month. Beginning April 22 and running through April 26, our Ambassador Program is taking donations for our Comfort Cart to benefit patients undergoing treatment at Forrest General Hospital.

Sometimes patients are admitted to the hospital overnight or on the spur of the moment, and don’t have personal care items they might need, such as a travel size toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lotion, conditioner, deodorant, ChapStick, and a brush/comb.

Our Comfort Cart is filled with these items and more, and student Ambassadors pass out items to patients at no cost.

“These products can make a big difference during a patient’s hospital stay,” said Macy Knight, Ambassadors coordinator.

Ambassadors are also asking for small interactive happies – colored pencils, coloring books/crossword puzzles, playing cards, small stuffed animals (new) – to keep patients entertained.

Donated items may be dropped off at the Forrest General Hospital Information Desk located at 6051 US 49, Hattiesburg, MS. Enter from the HWY 49 entrance Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26, 7 am-4:30 pm.

“With the public’s help, we can continue to fill our Comfort Cart to meet the needs of patients while impacting our future healthcare leaders,” said Knight.

For more information, visit forresthealth.org/ambassadors.

Forrest General’s Ambassador Program consists of college-age students with the desire to enter the medical field. Ambassadors earn community service hours in their various roles at the hospital – whether helping visitors find a patient’s room, delivering flowers and mail, answering questions, or most importantly, being a friendly face to greet those who enter the doors at Forrest General Hospital, Forrest Health’s flagship facility.