A volunteer is a person who gives more of themselves than they realize.

They give their time, strength, support and their heart to all those around them.Recently, Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital Auxiliary honored one of its own who gave tirelessly for nearly two decades, by adding her name on a leaf to the hospital's Giving Tree. The auxiliary raised $2,000 to donate to the hospital for the leaf in honor of their friend.Doreen Kromer, who passed away on June 27 at the age of 85, was a staple in the hospital's gift shop for 18 years.Joseph Guardiani, vice president of development and government affairs, couldn't say enough of her dedication to the community and her talents when it came to knitting.Before presenting the leaf, he spoke a few words, showing just how Doreen's life was a true example of a giving tree."This tree symbolizes many things," Guardiani said of the Giving Tree, "wisdom, protection, bounty, strength and God's grace. These were all attributes that Doreen possessed."Doreen was truly a gift to whomever she came in contact with. Her tree of life grew straight and tall. Her branches sheltered all. Her talents, like the leaves, were too many to count, and her fruit, always nourishing, ripened beautifully during her time under God's sun. She truly shared God's abundance," he said.Guardiani said that Doreen's baby outfits, which she knitted and donated to the auxiliary to sell in the gift shop, were a hit over the years and outfitted hundreds of newborns."She was a blessing," he said.Michael Harleman, president of the board of directors at the hospital, who is also Doreen's son-in-law, thanked the auxiliary for their kindness.The auxiliary then presented the leaf to Doreen's family, who fastened it to the tree, located in the lobby of the hospital. Kromer's name now joins 70 other individuals and businesses who have been memorialized over the years with leaves, and 26 corporations who have gifted over $5,000 throughout the years.Doreen Harleman, the oldest daughter, said her family was touched by the auxiliary's gesture."My mother spent a lot of time in the gift shop," she said. "To have them recognize her for what she did, it's very heartwarming. She was very special."The story of DoreenThe story of Doreen Kromer began in England in 1929 when she was born to Alec and Beatrice Goreham.She met her husband, Edward E. Kromer of Lehighton, during World War II, while Kromer was serving in the military.The two fell in love, and following the war, moved to Lehighton, where they were married.The couple had five children, Doreen, Diana, Geraldine, Deborah and the late Edward Jr., as well as 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.After settling down in Lehighton with their family, Doreen was active as a Sunday school teacher at Zion United Church of Christ and became an active volunteer in Gnaden Huetten's gift shop.Henry Bisbing, president of the hospital auxiliary, said that Doreen was "charming" and tenacious beyond words" and was always a super worker in the gift shop.Volunteersare importantIn addition to honoring Doreen, the hospital also recognized its volunteers.Bisbing reported there have been 8,348 volunteer hours since it was last reported. That equates to a total savings for the hospital of $188,247, based on the current rate of $22.55 for a volunteer position if it was a paid position.Andrew Harris, president and CEO of Blue Mountain Health System, thanked the volunteers for their dedication to the two campuses."You make Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton better hospitals," he said, adding that it is because of the joint effort of the volunteers, staff and administration that helped Blue Mountain Health System become the hospital that it is today.