Janet Hines, East Lansing
May 2016 Volunteer of the Month
Published: May 11, 2016
The Sparrow Women’s Board of Managers and Sparrow Volunteer Services Department honors Janet Hines of East Lansing as the May Volunteer of the Month.
Hines is one of the Charter Members of the Sparrow Gift Shop, having been one of the group of ladies who started the shop in the lobby of the old hospital building 60 years ago. Hines said that when the men came home after the war the women were anxious to get out and do something out of the house. She went to a meeting about a child study club for women where the speaker, Mrs. Sprinkle, was from Sparrow. They were told about a gift shop and 12 women signed up that night. Now, more than 90 years old, Hines still volunteers with the “Saturday Group” in the shop.
Hines feels that it is so fulfilling to meet Patients and families and give them some reprieve from whatever medical difficulty they are going through. Even if visitors don’t buy anything, they enjoy the beautiful things on display and find relief from their problems.
Hines also is a valuable member of the Archive Committee, a part of the Woman’s Board of Managers. She was a member of the board from 1974 to 1989, where she was president for two years.
Hines was born at Sparrow. She grew up in East Lansing and graduated from East Lansing High School.
Hines met her husband, Marshall, at Michigan State University at the Union Hall where they both worked in the cafeteria. They were married for 67 years until his passing three years ago. She has three children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She and her husband enjoyed being in their home garden and spending time at their cottage on Lake Michigan, which are still her favorite places to be.
Hines believes life is so much more interesting when you are involved and engaged with other people. The Women’s Board of Managers takes great honor in celebrating the gifts of time and talent from Volunteers such as Janet Hines. To learn more about Volunteer opportunities at Sparrow, visit Sparrow.org or call 517.364.3606. Use option one.