Violet Strickland officially retired from Palmerton Hospital in 1995.

But as a volunteer, and later as an officer with the hospital’s auxiliary, she has never really stopped working.“I remember they were looking for a treasurer. I said ‘Oh, I like to work with money,’” the 88-year-old said.“I went home as treasurer, and I’ve been treasurer ever since. I’ve enjoyed it tremendously.”On Thursday, Strickland of Bowmanstown was recognized for achieving a first among members of the auxiliary — 10,000 hours of volunteering. She was recognized at the group’s annual volunteer recognition and new member tea.Each year, the auxiliary raises tens of thousands of dollars for Palmerton Hospital.Hospital officials said that they’re a great help not only as a fundraiser, but also in representing the hospital in the community.“Ten thousand hours, you think about how many years that is, that’s amazing,” said Joe Guardiani, Blue Mountain Health System’s vice president of fund development and government relations. “This group raises around $35,000-$40,000 every year. Plus they’re ambassadors for the hospital.”While Strickland’s achievement took the spotlight, Thursday’s tea showed that the auxilliary is going strong more than 50 years after it began.The group recognized about 20 volunteers who received pins for reaching milestones in their service. They were Shirley Blynn, Kathy Brown, Deborah Hager, Phyllis Moyer-Kreiss and Thomas Smith (50 hours); Mary Flexer, Joy George, Marion Rodgers and Mary Tobia (100 hours); June Andreas, Kathy Elliston and Mary Werner (500 hours); Mary Levendusky (1,000 hours); Janet Morgan (2,000 hours); Lucille Bredbenner, Lovey Irvin and Karen Kaiser (3,000 hours); and Priscilla Offen (5,000 hours).They continue to operate the Owl’s Nest at the hospital, as well as the Nearly New thrift shop on Delaware Avenue.They also welcomed 20 new members who joined the auxiliary since April of last year, something that Blue Mountain’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Terry Purcell, noted.“This is one group where we’re seeing a lot of younger volunteers become part of it — 20 new members this year, it continues to grow,” he said.One of those members might someday become the next Violet Strickland — putting in 10,000 hours. She said she thinks the person who will beat her record is her sister, who has more than 9,000 hours.But there’s no telling what Violet’s total will be.While she has had to give up her favorite fundraiser — the strawberry shortcake stand at the Palmerton Community Festival, she has no plans to totally stop volunteering.“I don’t know what I’d do without it,” she said. “I just love the auxiliary work. I love it.”