Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘I had to stop volunteering during COVID, and that was terrible. I missed it so much.’

Gail Case, Roslyn

“I’ve always loved helping people. When I was in high school, I was a candy striper, and I really liked it. In 2000, my daughter and son had moved out of the house, and I was looking for something to do. I thought about going to a hospital and doing that again.

“Many years ago, I worked for my dad, who owned [the clothing line] Members Only, but I didn’t want a paying job. I wanted to do something as a volunteer.

“I decided I would walk into North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and put in an application. I got a call quickly for an interview. They asked me what department I’d like to work in. Back then, I asked to help in the gift shop, and after that I worked at the front desk in the lobby, welcoming people to the hospital and helping people find where they needed to be.

“I enjoyed the gift shop, but I knew I wanted to get upstairs and work in a surgical waiting room. I wanted to walk people down to PACU, which is the recovery room, and check people in for surgery and talk to their loved ones while they’re waiting for surgery. I asked to be moved there, and they said yes.

It makes me feel terrific. Every day, it’s a different experience.

“I’ve been working in the surgical waiting room for 14 years. My job includes checking in the patients and talking to their loved ones. I also help the doctors. When they come in after surgery, I show them where the family is sitting. It makes me feel terrific. Every day, it’s a different experience.

“Recently, we had an older couple who needed to get home and didn’t know how to call an Uber, so I did it for them. That couple’s son wrote me a beautiful thank you letter. I have six awards in my house for working at North Shore Manhasset for years and for my work.

“I had to stop volunteering during COVID, and that was terrible. I missed it so much. They took us out in March 2020, and we didn’t get to go back until late winter 2022. Working in the hospital – just to give and help someone else – it’s just the biggest joy for me. I get all choked up even thinking about it!”

Interviewed by KJ Bannan

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