April 7-15 is recognized as National Healthcare Volunteer Week, a time to recognize healthcare volunteers for their selfless service and dedication to making a difference in their local communities.
Archbold's Hospice of Southwest Georgia offers a multitude of volunteer opportunities that allow volunteers to interact with hospice patients and their families.
Hospice of Southwest Georgia's Flower Angels is one very popular volunteer program. Floral arrangements are donated by local florists and garden clubs, and then delivered weekly to each hospice patient by volunteers.
“Patients and their families appreciate and look forward to their flower delivery each week,” said Carol Chason, Volunteer Coordinator at Hospice of Southwest Georgia.
“The joy we see on the patient’s face each week when we deliver flowers is heartwarming,” said Hospice Volunteer Sandy McGrotha. “Delivering flowers to patients doesn’t seem like much, but it’s such an easy way to give back to people in our community.”
Hospice volunteers also participate in activities that provide support for family members of hospice patients, too.
For the past 13 years, Hospice of Southwest Georgia has hosted Camp H.E.A.L., an annual day camp for children ages 6-17 who are dealing with the recent death of a loved one.
Held at Camp Pineywoods in Thomasville, volunteers are able to spend their day helping campers with arts and crafts, music, archery and many other activities.
“Through a range of activities, volunteers are able to spend the day with kids and help them cope with the loss of a loved one,” said Sheri Walters, Administrator at Hospice of Southwest Georgia.
Hospice volunteers help support patients and their families in many other ways, including visiting with patients, running errands for patients and family members, and sitting with patients so caregivers can have a much needed break.
For more information about volunteer opportunities through Hospice of Southwest Georgia, please contact Carol Chason at 229.584.5504.
