22 Volunteers Drive Hospital Staff Through Virginia Storm

Phil Bolin didn't hesitate when he saw Virginia Hospital Center's call for volunteer drivers after this weekend's massive snowstorm left healthcare workers stranded at home.

The Maine native grew up driving in snow and grew up with parents who taught him the importance of helping others. When he spotted the hospital's social media post asking for help, he knew his all-wheel-drive vehicle and free schedule as a realtor made him perfect for the job.

Bolin is one of 22 volunteers now transporting Virginia Hospital Center's 5,000-person workforce through icy, treacherous roads in Annandale and Arlington. Staff members who can't get out of their driveways or feel unsafe navigating the conditions simply call the hospital's command center, and volunteers like Bolin show up to give them a ride.

"I think they were kind of surprised actually when I pulled up. They were making sure I wasn't somebody's Uber," Bolin said after safely delivering his fourth healthcare worker to the hospital. "I was able to get them in safety. It was a lot of fun."

The volunteer program has become a crucial backup plan for keeping the hospital running at full capacity. Melody Dickerson, Senior Vice President of Hospital Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, explained that dedicated staff want to come to work but sometimes need help getting there.

So far, the volunteer network has completed 92 transports since the storm hit. While the hospital has always maintained this emergency transportation option, officials say they haven't seen this level of need since the region's last major blizzard a decade ago.

All volunteers must provide their driver's license, proof of insurance, and additional documentation before they can start picking up staff members. The vetting process ensures both drivers and passengers stay safe while navigating difficult winter conditions.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't just the practical problem-solving. It's Phil Bolin checking his schedule, looking at his car, and thinking "I can help" without a second thought. It's 21 other people doing the same thing. When a community sees healthcare workers who show up for them every single day, and then shows up for those workers in return, that's the kind of mutual care that makes everything else possible.

Bolin remains on standby, ready to transport more staff members as long as the icy conditions persist and the hospital needs him.