When Toni McGibbon first decided to volunteer at Horton Hospital in Middletown in 1997, she was simply looking for a way to get out of the house after her husband, Herbert McGibbon, passed away. He was from Youngsville in Sullivan County.

Little did she know that this choice would lead to 26 years of dedicated service and countless connections with patients, staff and fellow volunteers at what is now Garnet Health Medical Center. 

McGibbon holds the honor of being Garnet’s longest-serving volunteer, having donated over 17,000 hours to the hospital. Reflecting on her journey, McGibbon said, “I wanted to help people. I enjoy it. As long as I can get out of bed every day and get dressed, I’ll keep volunteering.”

After suffering from seizures and being unable to work, she decided to volunteer to stay active. 

“I wasn’t able to work, so I started getting Social Security Disability, and I said, ‘I want to get out of the house, I don’t want to just sit around,’” she explained. 

McGibbon began her service in the transport department, where she became a familiar face to patients, transporting them to tests, their inpatient rooms, or discharging them after treatment. One of her favorite tasks, she recalled, was helping to discharge newborns and their families. 

Mary Bingham, a colleague from the transport department, praised Toni’s infectious positivity: “We always used to joke that she’d come off the elevator with a happy smile. She’s just a very warm person, very loving, and whoever she helps picks up on it immediately.”

Even during the pandemic, when many volunteers were sidelined, Toni was eager to return to her duties. “I knew it would probably change sooner or later. I didn’t think it would last forever,” she said, referring to the pause in her transport duties. 

Once back, Toni transitioned to the registration desk, guiding patients through check-ins and offering directions with the same compassion she brought to transport.

Maureen Roche, Manager of Volunteer Services, praised the lasting relationships Toni has built over her years of service: “The most amazing thing she has accomplished is the relationships she has fostered here—with our patients and with our community at large. She is a tremendous asset to us.”

Lisa Jewis, a long-time friend and co-volunteer, reminisced about their early days together: “We just connected from the start. After work, we’d pick her up and go to happy hour. She’s been part of my family ever since.”

At a recent celebration honoring Toni’s years of service, she was recognized for reaching 17,000 hours of volunteer work, equivalent to over 12 million steps and approximately 6,400 miles—the distance from New York to California and back. 

Jonathan Schiller, President and CEO of Garnet Health, said, “Thank you for showing everyone here and in our community what caring truly looks like. You’ve given so much to the patients we serve, and we are all grateful.”

McGibbon remains humble, saying, “I enjoy helping people. I enjoy being here,” she said. “As long as I can get up and keep moving, I’ll keep volunteering.”

Joe Adonnino, Director of Environmental Services, echoed the sentiment, calling Toni “a special human” who cares deeply about both patients and staff. “She’s always there, always caring passionately about the people she helps. She’s a wonderful person.”

Now 72, McGibbon shows no signs of slowing down. “As long as I can get out of bed, I’ll keep volunteering,” she said.