With all that has changed in the past 30 years, for Jean Taylor, one thing has remained the same: her volunteer work at Advocate South Suburban Hospital.

Taylor started working with the hospital in 1976 because she wanted to give back to the community. Since that time, she has answered phones, put away supplies, cleaned patient rooms—even babysat for children whose mothers are having tests.

"If I see a patient that looks cold, I’ll offer them a blanket. I try to interact with patients when possible to make them more comfortable," Taylor says.

The 76-year old Tinley Park resident volunteers in the emergency department. She asked to be assigned there and says she likes it because no two days are ever the same. Taylor says she didn’t expect to volunteer for so long, but she has no plans to stop. She says as long as she can walk, she’ll keep coming back.

"It’s something that completes my week. It’s very rewarding. When I do something and a patient smiles, that’s pretty big payment."