"The most precious gift we can give is ourself." – Unknown author

Offering a gift of love.

A helping hand is always important – but no time more important than when a family member has a life-limiting illness. Hospice volunteers are caring people who donate their time, efforts and talents to Hospice patients, their families and loved ones.

There are many ways to volunteer at Hospice of Union County. Volunteer activities are flexible in terms of scope as well as schedule. Our volunteers complete an 12–hour training program that explains the hospice philosophy. Volunteer activities may occur during the day or evening with some activities occuring on weekends.

Profile of a Volunteer

It takes a special person to be a volunteer. Here are some of the qualities that make our volunteers so successful:

• Flexibility – Our volunteers are comfortable with a variety of people and situations.

• Non-judgemental attitude – Our volunteers set aside their own attitudes and beliefs.

• Warmth and compassion – Hospice volunteers are experts at holding hands.

• Willingness to help people – They also have energy and optimism.

• Ability to work with others – Each volunteer is a vital part of the team.

Hospice of Union County has many types of volunteer opportunities – Patient Care, Administrative, Fundraising, and the "Watchman Program."

Patient Care Volunteers – Provide support to patient, caregivers and other family members. They can:

• Provide short term Respite care

• Provide companionship for patient and family

• Run errands, such as shopping assistance

• Teach a skill, such as art

• Light housekeeping and yard work

Administrtive Volunteer – Assist with Hospice office activities. These activities include:

• Receptionist

• Typist

• Filing

• Errands

• Photocopying

• Newsletter Mailing

• Health Fairs

• Special Events

• Community Awareness

• Speaking Engagements

The Watchman Program

The Watchman Program trains volunteers to be the "eyes and ears" of Hospice in their church congregation or other civic/community organization. After the brief hour and a half training session, the Watchman is available as a source of information for both their church or organization and Hospice, facilitating the flow of information in both directions. The Watchman can refer a family for services, schedule speakers for their church or organization and can organize groups from their church or organization to complete a specific project of their choice to benefit Hospice. Less time intensive than our other volunteer programs, this may be an opportunity for someone interested in volunteering for Hospice to "try us out!"

Some thoughts from some of our current volunteers:

"Volunteers do so much more than mow the grass and wash the dishes," says one of our volunteers. "They also provide comfort and strength in many situations."

"I always try to bring a little humor to the patient" says another volunteer, "such as a story from the newspaper, or something that happened to me."

This is a letter we received from a Hospice family. It illustrates the compassion of our volunteers and all of our staff members who served the family:

"Sometimes people come into your life as part of some service, just doing their job or trying to keep some quota. Too often we receive a helping hand without that hand ever touching your heart.

That is certainly not the case with Hospice. Everyone our family met during our loved one's illness and death not only touched our hearts but also supported our spirit and nurtured our minds when we didn't know what to expect.

I can't thank your staff members and volunteers enough. There are no words to express what you all did for our family. I know my husband appreciated all you did to help with his care and if we could grade your service, it would receive an A+."

Volunteer Interest Profile

Volunteering is truly the gift that rewards the giver as much as the recipient. Complete our Volunteer Interest Profile...

Click Here to Download Volunteer Interest Profile

and submit it to Beth Deal, Volunteer Coordinator. You may also call Beth at 704-292-2112 and learn how you can become a Hospice volunteer or e–mail her at bdeal@houc.org.