This month's special volunteer is Barbara Cardella at the Torrance Memorial Hospital.

1. Why did you decide to become a Volunteer?

I thought that it would be a good thing to do. Many of my friends were volunteering and having fun doing it, so it made sense.

2. What does volunteering do for you?

It's a way for me to keep occupied outside of just doing the housekeeping.

3. How long have you been a volunteer?

I've been volunteering since 1993.

4. Have you made any good friends from this job?

I've made a lot of new friends and acquaintences around the hospital, especially among the other volunteers who donate time here.

How has this changed your life?

It fills my time in a meaningful way.

5. Where do you currently volunteer?

At the hospital I work at the registration desk and on Tuesdays I co-ordinate the activities of the many volunteer "gofers", distributing hospital records etc. Apart from my time at Torrance Memorial, I also volunteer at the Redondo Beach Civic Light Opera, the Las Vicentes college scholarship fund raiser and at the Los Amigos Holiday Festival. My husband passed away a short time ago and I will be eligible to work as a bereavement counselor after the required two year bereavement period has passed.

6. What would you say to anyone who thinks they are too busy to volunteer?

I would tell them that you always ask a busy person to help when you need things done because they are the ones who know how to use the time that they have available.