POCATELLO - Karen Ruchti believes Portneuf Medical Center's maternity socials help first-time mothers feel more confident and informed about pregnancy.

Ruchti, who began volunteering at PMC when it was still known as the Bannock Hospital, is the chairwoman of the maternity social program, which gives expectant mothers information about pregnancy and the maternity services available at the hospital.

While she helps run the maternity socials on a volunteer basis, Ruchti is also the vice president of the Portneuf Auxiliary, a hospitalwide group of volunteers who perform a number of services throughout the facilities.

And Ruchti's work has helped her win PMC's 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award.

But the 65-year-old woman, who prefers not to talk about herself, summed up her 43 years with PMC in a few words.

"It's an awesome thing to do," Ruchti said.

As chairwoman of the maternity socials, Ruchti does everything from taking the mothers on a tour of the hospital to preparing information packets and handing out door prizes.

"A lot of them have their questions answered," Ruchti said. "I think they come out of those (socials) with a lot more knowledge and more confidence. And we also have a doctor that comes out and helps them."

Ruchti's work with the PMC Auxiliary has included hosting fundraising drives and raising money for scholarships.

She said the scholarships go out to students who are going into the medical field.

The auxiliary also operates a flower shop at PMC. Ruchti said she is usually involved in the annual Mother's Day flower sale.

And Ruchti even organizes the magazines, which are laid out in all of the waiting rooms.