Vivian Kelby turned 100 in May and still volunteers weekly in the Franciscan Health Crown Point gift shop. She’s been a volunteer at the hospital for nearly 50 years. (Photo provided, Franciscan Health)
Vivian Kelby, 100, arranges candy in the gift shop at Franciscan Health Crown Point, where she serves weekly as a volunteer. (Photo provided, Franciscan Health)
In Crown Point, Franciscan Health says a new Region centenarian is still going strong after nearly 50 years of service. Vivian Kelby turned 100 earlier this month and will exceed 38,000 volunteer hours in May 2025 with Franciscan Health Crown Point. Kelby, who volunteers every Friday afternoon in the gift shop, first started volunteering for what was then St. Anthony Home in Crown Point in January 1976. She took her sewing talents to the hospital, making stockings for newborns born near Christmas and baby bonnets sold in the gift shop for 37 years, a news release said. Throughout her nearly 50 years of volunteering, Kelby has served at the information desk, the Admissions Department and the Imaging Department. Franciscan Health also says she fed patients and was in charge of the volunteers who fed patients as well as the youth volunteers.
Franciscan Health Crown Point Manager of Volunteer Services Justin Dougherty said Kelby is “an inspiration, still volunteering every week at 100 years old.” “Her sharp mind, quick wit and unwavering dedication remind us all of the power of purpose and service,” Dougherty said. Kelby said she would encourage anyone interested in volunteering to “just do it.” “You’ll make friends and have a lot of fun,” she said.
Franciscan Health has nearly 200 volunteers serving at its four Northwest Indiana Hospitals in Crown Point, Dyer, Michigan City and Munster. Studies have shown that volunteering can reduce stress and depression, increase mental and physical activity and increase overall happiness and quality of life. There are a variety of volunteer positions available at its hospitals. All volunteers are screened and must meet all requirements. More information is available online at https://www.franciscanhealth.org/community/volunteer or by calling the volunteer services offices at each individual hospital location.
