Paying kindness forward at Tennessee Valley
“When you acknowledge somebody, this might be the only positive interaction the person has for the day, so making them smile is rewarding to me,” stated volunteer Cyndi Hurtt.
At Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), the “I CARE” values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence is key in employee development. In addition, everyone can “pay it forward,” a simple act of repaying kindness to others and not expecting anything in return. One of the volunteers at the TVHS Chattanooga VA Clinic has been doing just that.
With nearly 3,000 volunteer hours and eight years of service, Hurtt has consistently volunteered weekly at the Chattanooga clinic. This is Hurtt’s way to pay it forward, offering her free time to help the Veterans at the clinic and in the community.
In addition to volunteering, Hurtt is also a member at the local Elks Lodge, a nonprofit organization that contributes to local charities, where she is the Veteran outreach representative. For some time, she has raised money and even received a government grant to provide “Welcome Home” kits to local Veterans. These kits are completely free to Veterans and supply brand new beds, furniture, and home supplies to newly housed or formerly homeless Veterans.
Joshua Green, the volunteer supervisor at the Chattanooga VA Clinic, recognized Hurtt’s overwhelming efforts to support Veterans in the community. Green reached out to News Channel 9, a local news station with a “Pay it Forward” segment that highlights those who go above and beyond in the community. As part of the recognition, a local law firm in Chattanooga donates $500 to the “Pay it Forward” recipient.
“Cyndi Hurtt is an invaluable volunteer at the Chattanooga VA Clinic and member of the community. She has done more and helped the Elks Lodge do more for Veterans of the Chattanooga area than anyone could imagine,” Green said.
Green was amazed the news channel picked Hurtt’s story and arranged the surprise visit to award Hurtt with $500.
The day of the surprise visit was exciting as the news anchors and staff descended on the unexpecting Hurtt as she was working in the volunteer office. Volunteers and clinic staff members filled the room as Hurtt was approached by Green with the news crew. Hurtt’s stood in confusion until Green announced what was happening and expressed gratitude for her commitment to Veterans. Green asked Hurtt to hold out her hand and he began to count out the $500 in her palm. Hurtt’s mouth dropped open in shock as she collected the donation money.
“I had no idea what was going on,” Hurtt explained. “I never dreamed of being recognized this way. I love helping our Veterans and this is my way of giving back and just knowing I’m putting a smile on a Veteran’s face is rewarding to me,” Hurtt added with a huge smile on her face.
TVHS is honored to have such dedicated volunteers who go above and beyond their volunteer duties at VA clinics. Hurtt’s act of paying it forward has touched the lives of Veterans in the community and employees.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at VA, call 615-225-6496 or visit https://www.va.gov/tennessee-valley-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-….