Christmas cheer is ringing loud and clear this season at Saint Francis Hospital.
For years, visitors walking through the hospital doors were greeted by the familiar sights of the holidays. This year, they are also welcomed by the sound of Christmas.
Volunteer musicians have been filling the lobby and hallways with holiday classics and worship music, creating moments of joy for people facing some of their hardest days.
Music takes center stage at the hospital
Instead of quiet corridors, carols now echo throughout the lobby of Saint Francis as volunteers gather around the piano.
“It just brings a whole different vibe to people walking into the hospital,” said Patti Barker with Saint Francis Hospital.
The music can be heard drifting through the building, stopping people in their tracks and drawing small crowds who pause to listen.
Volunteers spreading joy through song
One of the musicians is Saint Francis gift shop florist and volunteer pianist Terry Tucker, who plays alongside friends from his church.
“We have no idea, we don’t know what we’re doing. We’re having fun,” they said.
Behind the piano, the group plays a mix of Christmas favorites and worship music, hoping to lift spirits for anyone who hears it.
“I hope they’re feeling a little joy, a part of Christmas through their pain, a little hope maybe, and a little laughter,” Tucker said.
Patients and visitors join in
As the music plays, people gather around to listen. Some sing along, others clap their hands and a few even get the chance to jingle bells with the musicians.
Barker said the impact goes beyond holiday cheer.
“The joy of music, the healing power of music is just universal, and like I said, it just changes the vibe of this building,” she said.
Giving back beyond the church walls
For Tucker and his friends, volunteering at the hospital is a way to share their faith and kindness outside of traditional settings.
“We get our joy and our strength and our blessing from seeing other people blessed, and he says we can do that there at Saint Francis, we don’t only have to be at church,” Tucker said.
A message beyond words
The volunteers say music can express emotions that words sometimes cannot and that it also brings a sense of healing in hard times.
“Music says something that you can’t say, even just the playing of music,” Tucker said. “We’re so glad to be a part of it.”
How to get involved
Saint Francis Hospital is welcoming more volunteer musicians.
Anyone interested in playing the piano at the hospital can apply online or call (918) 501-0140.