Emanuel Medical Center is proud to recognize Kathie Barton as Volunteer of the Year, an honor presented by the EMC Volunteer Auxiliary. Ms. Kathie has been a devoted volunteer since 2005, generously sharing her time, compassion, and talents with patients, visitors, and staff throughout EMC.
Over the years, Ms. Kathie has served in a variety of volunteer roles, including Social Work and Patient Relations in the Med Surg department and Emanuel County Nursing Home, and as operator and bookkeeper for The Sunshine Corner, EMC’s volunteer-run gift shop. Today, she’s fondly known as “The Candy Lady,” spreading cheer with sweet treats, friendly conversations, and a welcoming smile. Whether she’s guiding visitors, answering questions, or simply offering reassurance, Ms. Kathie has a special way of making everyone feel at home.
Ms. Kathie is a native of Emanuel County and a graduate of East Georgia State College, Armstrong Atlantic State University, and the University of Georgia. She dedicated more than 32 years to serving the community as a school counselor with Emanuel County Schools, working with students with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities. After retiring, she found a natural calling in volunteering, not only with EMC, but also serving with Hospice for a while. Her connection to EMC began even earlier; however, as she volunteered as a “candy striper” as a teenager during summer breaks.
Ms. Kathie treasures the relationships she has built as a volunteer over the years and takes pride in seeing EMC grow and expand services for the community. Her motivation is simple yet meaningful: “Everybody needs a smile.” And week after week, Ms. Kathie delivers just that.
The EMC Volunteer Auxiliary is an active group serving in many capacities across Emanuel Medical Center and Emanuel County Nursing Home. If you are interested in joining Ms. Kathie and the rest of the Volunteer Auxiliary in making a difference for EMC patients, visitors, and staff, please contact EMC’s Human Resources Department at 478-289-1100.
