JACKSON, Miss.—The Mississippi Hospital Association Society for Hospital Auxiliaries and Volunteer Services has named Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s Andrew Noland a volunteer of the year.

Noland, 84, of Jackson, began volunteering in 1996 at the Jackson hospital, making deliveries to patient rooms and cheering up patients and families. He has also given his time to the United Way, the Splendors of Spain exhibit and is a docent at the Governor’s Mansion.

“I’m very honored by this award,” said Noland. “I’ve gotten so much more out of volunteering than I have ever been able to give. It is truly wonderful to help others.”

Noland was nominated for the award by Madison resident Sandra Walker, Methodist Rehab’s director of volunteer services. “I’m so proud of him,” she said. “He is an excellent representative of this hospital and he truly loves helping the patients.

“Sometimes, patients are here for more than a few days and their families are far away and not able to stay with them. Andrew gets to know them and becomes a friend. He has brightened the lives of many during his five years here,” Walker added.

“Dedicated volunteers like Andrew are an essential part of our team,” said Mark Adams, Methodist Rehab president and CEO. “Each day, they visit patients in their rooms and work closely with the staff in departments throughout the hospital to provide much-needed services.”