Leaders of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center recognized the hospital's 213 volunteers at an appreciation event, according to a news release.

The volunteers were recognized for more than 25,800 hours of time given to the hospital in 2018, officials said in the release.

“Since 2010, Brunswick Medical Center has substantially increased the number of volunteer hours supporting the medical center,” said Deborah Rochelle, manager of volunteer services, in the release. “It increased from approximately 10,000 volunteer hours in 2010 to more than 25,000 hours in 2018.”

Gloria and Mike Foss, who received the Governor’s Award as organizers of the Pet Therapy program, received special recognition along with the hospital's 11 therapy dogs, their handlers and assistants.

Bob Kaelin and Harry Thranhardt, and three volunteers, were recognized for their work with veteran programs. Kaelin and Thranhardt also played a role in the 2018 Veterans Day celebration at the hospital.

“Every day, our volunteers give unselfishly of themselves, from the smile and greeting at the door to the assistance someone needs in the surgical waiting room or the gift for the new baby,” Rochelle said in the release. “Our volunteers are truly exceptional people.”

Junior volunteers Sarah Dhunjishaw and Oleksandr Malenko received scholarship awards with a check presented by hospital volunteers to Brunswick Community College.