A hospital stay can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. Volunteers like Kim help bring patients a little bit of comfort in the form of a handmade blanket. 

What are your main responsibilities as a volunteer? 

Right now my focus is to make blankets for patients. This is something I can do at home on my own time, which means I am still making a difference for patients while having time to care for my 92-year-old mother. When I need supplies, I come to Rapid City Hospital, pick up fleece and take it home. Then, I cut it to size, tie it into blankets and return them. Over the years I have tied hundreds of blankets. I have also returned to in-home hospice volunteering as my schedule allows and I’m so thankful the restrictions of COVID-19 have finally been lifted. Hospice volunteering is truly a rewarding experience, getting to know and visit with patients as they near the end of their lives. 

Kim Krull began volunteering in 2015 and has worked in many areas including in-home hospice, the Rapid City Hospital volunteer desk, patient rounding, hand massages and wayfinding. 

What surprises you about volunteering? 

Just the sheer number of opportunities available for the volunteer. Of course, it’s fun meeting and working with the other volunteers, and it also gives me a feeling of accomplishment. It’s about doing something for someone else and hopefully brightening their day during a difficult time. 

What do you most look forward to on the days you volunteer? 

We have a really fun group on the auxiliary board of directors, and I look forward to our meetings and conversations. It is also exciting to see just how much money the auxiliary has been able to donate to various needs within the hospital. Giving $250,000 to the Cancer Care Institute over a five-year period as well as annually donating to CMN, just to name a couple! It’s possible to have such an impact because of the volunteers’ support and commitment. I truly work with an amazing, selfless group of men and women who volunteer their time and energy for a much larger goal. I am proud to be listed among their ranks!