There are a lot of ways to be generous and just as many motivations. Some people are generous because they feel the need to give back. Others are generous because they want to honor someone special. Still others because God has gifted them a spirit of generosity, and they just can’t help it.
Lynne Taylor is one of the latter. Fueled by her Christian faith and a lifetime of family examples, she is quick to be generous with time, money, knowledge, love, or whatever else she may have that can help. Her family follows suit, and as such, they have made a noteworthy impact at Cabell Huntington Hospital, Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, and the Marshall Health Network Foundations.
Taylor, a former teacher who has always loved to help children, was part of the Huntington Junior League when she first volunteered at Cabell Huntington Hospital as part of something called Day One – a program to help mothers care for their newborns. She didn’t even have children at the time, but she loved children, and her own upbringing and strong Christian principles led to looking for ways to serve her community.
That turned into decades of the Taylor family serving Cabell Huntington Hospital and notably Hoops Family Children’s Hospital where Lynne continues to be a weekly volunteer in the Children’s Depot gift shop. That gives her a front-row seat to witness the impact of her family’s service and the ongoing opportunity to be generous with her love and kindness toward others.
“My priorities are God, family, and volunteer,” she said. “I still volunteer as much as I can. I’ve just always loved to help, and I love that hospital. It’s so important for our community.”
Lynne and her husband, Barry, are Medallion Society members, which means they’ve made a financial commitment to MHN Foundations. Barry has served several terms and chaired the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation Board prior to it becoming part of MHN Foundations. It doesn’t stop there, though.
The Taylors’ three children, Skye, Bethany, and Thad, have all made an impact as well. Their kids are adults now, but Skye and Thad both did major Scouting projects that are still visible to those on the HFCH campus. Skye’s Girl Scout Gold Award project in 2010, “Keep Your Chin Up,” decorated 500 ceiling tiles for the pediatric floor prior to the buildout of HFCH. Some of those tiles remain throughout the hospital.
Meanwhile, Thad’s 2015 Eagle Scout project “Tiles for Smiles” is a 55-foot river mural of tile that can still be seen in front of the building. Sister Bethany was an instrumental helper and supporter in both projects.
“It’s been a whole family thing,” Lynne said. “Watching the joy of the staff and visitors with Skye’s project was just motivating. Fast forward to 2015 when Thad needed an Eagle Scout project. We went through some ideas, but we wanted to stay attached to the hospital because they were so good to us.”
“We just really like doing this kind of service,” she said. “It’s not why we do it, but it’s nice because you see direct benefits – the joy and happiness – especially on the faces of kids. We just wanted to be involved.”
Though the Taylors have been and continue to volunteer in their respective communities, HFCH always holds a special place in their hearts. From Lynne volunteering to cuddle babies before she had her own and now working in the gift shop, to a hospital stay that Thad once needed all the way to Bethany growing up to become a labor and delivery nurse, the family has always been partial to helping those who are helping children.
“For me, anything that makes them feel good is a bright spot for the kids and the staff,” she said. “It’s small potatoes I know, but I just like to be a part of that. Huntington would be lost without that hospital. Anyone is more at peace when you can be at home, so if we can do things to help provide what they need here instead of going to Cincinnati or Columbus, well, I think that’s all the more reason for people to help and donate.”
Lynne referred to the biblical concept of “many hands make light work” as a key reason why others should consider helping in their community.
She added that while certainly the Scouting projects played a big part in their family’s focus on helping the hospital, it’s not just about where they help or what they do. It’s simply what they are called to do.
“As Christians, obviously we tried to teach our kids to think of others, to be good and kind,” she said. “That’s just who we are. Barry’s parents were missionaries. It’s just what we’ve been taught for generations.”
“One person can make a difference, but a lot of people together is better,” she added. “And it’s not like you never see the benefits. Helping the hospital directly helps the community. You should help somewhere, and there are lots of things to do and so many ways to give back. Everyone should find their avenue.”
