Each year, the month of April is known as a special time to recognize the wonderful contributions of volunteers and to share appreciation for all the ways in which they make a difference in our lives. On April 1, Journey Hospice volunteers were recognized at a luncheon held at the Court Restaurant in New Martinsville. Program director, Kathy Powell, and staff met with volunteers to show their appreciation and to present each volunteer with a unique, spring-like “Monet” tote and appreciation pin.

The volunteers of Journey Hospice donate their time in a variety of ways which benefit the patients and families being served in the local area. One of those ways is through fundraising. Over the past year, over $3200 was raised by the team of volunteers through activities such as a used book, DVD, CD sale held in the fall of 2007 and a “re-gifting” sale held just this spring. Additionally, funds are raised through the ongoing sale of Rada cutlery and the annual Christmas memorial trees placed in four area locations this past holiday season.

Other ways in which volunteers serve include direct patient care. Volunteers go to the homes of patients and spend time visiting, reading or doing other activities which patients may enjoy. A side benefit to those visits is that the care-giver is given an opportunity to take a break which is very important to their emotional and physical well-being.

Finally, clerical help is of great importance to Journey Hospice program director and staff. By typing letters, answering the phone and providing assistance in organizational matters the volunteer provides the support needed to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

What is the true value of volunteers to the Journey Hospice program? To answer that question, Kathy Powell stated, “Priceless! Each of our volunteers is unique in what they offer to our program and of course, to our patients and families. Although they are small in number (currently we have 8 full-time volunteers), they are mighty in heart and dedicated to the Journey Hospice program and services we provide to the local community. Without them, our staff and the services we can provide patients would be at a disadvantage.”

“For many of our volunteers,” Powell continued, “the decision to become a Hospice volunteer was based upon a desire to give back to the community where they live. In addition, some have experienced first-hand the services that hospice provides to loved ones when life’s journey is nearing the end.”

“The staff of Journey Hospice and I would like to take this time to recognize our team of dedicated volunteers and the number of years of service which they have provided,” said Kathy Powell. “They are Alma Barnard, 17 years; LaVeta Hanlin, 15 years; Fran Caldwell and Elaine Stull, 8 years; Kay Weltz, 6 years; Jane Snyder, 5 years and Fairis Campbell and Mary Thomas, 1 year.

Journey Hospice would like to extend an invitation to anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with their program. “Anyone can feel free to call or stop by our office and we will be happy to explain the process of becoming a volunteer. We are always in need of more volunteers to help and we feel that the experience of becoming a volunteer for Journey Hospice would be a very rewarding one. For further information, please call our office at 447-2464 or stop by our office located in Sistersville General Hospital.”