Published: June 21, 2016
The Sparrow Women’s Board of Managers and Sparrow Volunteer Services Department have named Evelyn Brayton of Lansing as the June Volunteer of the Month.
Brayton began as a volunteer 27 years ago in the Mary Magdalen League which runs the Sparrow Hospital at the St. Lawrence Campus Gift Shop. She said she was visiting someone in the hospital and ran into a friend volunteering in the shop. She was invited to join the league and has always enjoyed it. She and her daughter, Connie, now work a shift in the shop together. Connie then invited her mother to join Angelus League, where they sew stuffed animals for Sparrow’s pediatric Patients.
Brayton has been a jewelry buyer for the shop for many years. At 93 years old, she works extra shifts when needed, has a great sense of humor and is said to have a lot of positive energy.
Brayton’s husband, Burton, passed away more than 20 years ago. She has two daughters, five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren, the latest born this year is named Evelyn after her. Her hobbies include playing bridge and sewing, which she does beautifully. She is a member of the Howell American Legion Auxiliary and loves to go there for fish fry Fridays.
Brayton grew up in Howell, came to Lansing with her husband for his job and she worked at Michigan Electric and then the State of Michigan Lottery office for 15 years.
She thought that because of her age that maybe she should retire from volunteering, but thought, “What would I do? Sit around with no one to talk to?” She really enjoys the people she volunteers with, meeting the customers visiting the shop, and most important, keeping busy and being able to help.
As you can see, no matter what your age, there is a volunteer opportunity for you! Volunteering has been seen to be good for your health in body and mind. The Women’s Board of Managers takes great pride in honoring volunteers like Evelyn Brayton who share their gifts and talents for the benefit of Sparrow’s Patients and families. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Sparrow, please visit Sparrow.org or call our office at 517.364.3606, use option one.