TEEN-AGER SHOWS `SPIRIT OF SERVICE' AT HOSPITAL

Brandon Wendel doesn't think his volunteer work is anything special or out of the ordinary.

"I know a lot of people who do it," he said, not looking for any special recognition.

Wendel, a 16-year-old sophomore at Jackson High School, has volunteered at Southeast Missouri Hospital since the summer of 1996. He has contributed more than 360 hours of service between June 1996 and January 1998. In 1997 alone, he volunteered more than 250 hours.

He has often volunteered during school holidays or vacation time and at the request of staff on special occasions.

The majority of his volunteer time has been spent in the Physical Therapy Department where Wendel assists the staff in transporting patients to and from their hospital rooms, providing help in the treatment room and with office duties, and picking up and delivering items from various hospital departments.

Charlotte Sargent, director of volunteer services for the hospital, said Wendel is unusual in that he will often spend eight hours in a single day volunteering his time.

"We've received very nice compliments about Brandon," Sargent said.

Wendel has given hours of service unselfishly to the hospital and community with no expectation of reward or recognition, but just because he wants to volunteer, Sargent said.

"He has shown a remarkable spirit of service that is an inspiration to other young people as well as employees and staff," she said.