November Volunteer of the Month is Kelly Barnhart. Her contagious personality is loved by all especially as she shares her time with Avera Sacred Heart Hospital patients via the Nutrition Hostess program. The program is like meals on wheels within the hospital. Volunteers, like Kelly, help get the tables ready, serve the meals, assist with opening difficult containers, run after needed items and other numerous tasks to assist with the meals.

Direct contact with patients is Barnhart's favorite part of her volunteering as she loves to be around people and especially likes to get them to smile. When she arrives for her volunteer job, the staff are getting close to the end of their long work day. Kelly's jokes and good humor helps ease the stress and makes the day end on a happy note.

The need for volunteers for the Nutrition Host/Hostess position was heard about at the Yankton High School. Kelly decided that it would be fun to help get this new program up and running. She was also considering this volunteer opportunity for a future career in health care. For college applications, volunteering is also a very important component. For all of these reasons, Barnhart answered the call and has been dedicating her Thursday evenings for almost one year. Making a day brighter for others by sharing her time, energy and smiles in turn brightens Kelly Barnhart's day.