St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Melva Harris Honored with 2011 Mayor’s Volunteer Houston Award
Melva Harris, a volunteer with the St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital (SLEH) Auxiliary for more than two decades, was recently recognized with the 2011 Mayor’s Volunteer Houston Award, which promotes volunteerism by recognizing local citizens for acts of uncommon volunteer service.
“Melva is truly an inspiration,” says Pamela A. Lemp, director of volunteer services, St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System. “She exemplifies the word ‘initiative’ through her leadership skills and creativity. In addition to serving as a mentor to other volunteers, Melva positively touches families not only in Houston, but from around the world.”
Over the decades, Melva has donated more than 12,150 hours to helping others, including serving as the president of the SLEH Auxiliary in 1996 and 2005, one of only two elected to the role of president for a second term. Melva has also chaired “Food for Life,” the Auxiliary’s Annual Easter food drive, which benefits Southeast Area Ministries. Melva began her service with the Auxiliary, whose mission is to serve man and honor God, in 1961. While she relocated with her husband over the years, she returned to Houston and the Auxiliary in 1981.
Additionally, Melva currently serves as the 2010-2011 president of the Texas Association of Healthcare volunteers (TAHV), a state organization representing more than 30,000 healthcare volunteers. Through the TAHV’s “Backpack for Kids” initiative, Melva helped secure donations for 300 backpacks filled with toiletry items and toys, which were donated to Child Protective Services. The backpacks are provided to children removed from their homes.
