Mary Beth Null, RN; Kathy Powell, RN, Director; Rebecca Snider, CNA of Journey Hospice, have partnered with the Sistersville Lions Club to help hospice patients in Tyler County.

Christmas is a time for caring, sharing and enjoying the holidays with family and friends. In the spirit of the season, the Sistersville Lions Club is seeking contributions for the families of Journey Hospice patients.

This time of year can be especially difficult, emotionally and financially, for families of terminally ill patients. “Our goal is to make sure these families don’t fall through the cracks,” explained Sisty Walsh, Lions Club secretary.

With that in mind, Sistersville Lions Club is partnering with Sistersville General Hospital, Sistersville IGA, and Par Mar Store to provide vouchers for food, gas and clothing (no tobacco or alcohol). These vouchers will be given to families based on identified needs, for their use. The vouchers may be used at the IGA (food), Par Mar (gas) and the regional Salvation Army (clothing).

Following a successful recruitment drive which doubled its membership, Sistersville Lions Club is eager to begin serving the community’s needs.

Lions Club International, built on a solid foundation of volunteer service, has been providing hope to those in need since 1917. Forty-five thousand clubs and 1.35 million members make Lions Club International the world’s largest service organization, with active men and women participating in more than 206 countries and geographic locations. The Lions Club International motto is “We Serve” and embodies the core of their mission to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, and encourage peace and international understanding.

Journey Hospice, established in 1991, serves the needs of the terminally ill in Wetzel, Tyler, and Pleasants Counties. Hospice care provides medical, psychosocial and spiritual care for the patient and their family.

The emphasis of hospice care is on quality of life. Medical care for the patient and spiritual care for both patient and family members is provided.

Hospice supports the family in order that the patient may have comfort for their remaining days, in the company of family and friends.

As part of its commitment to Lions Club ideals, Sistersville Lions Club members are soliciting donations from the community for the voucher program. Contributions may be made by cash or check to ease some of the burdens of these families during the Christmas season and can be mailed to: Linda Leasure, State Farm Insurance, 712 Chelsea St.,Sistersville, WV 26175; or Judy Yeager, Westbanco, 250 Charles St., Sistersville, WV 26175.

Checks should be made payable to Sistersville Lions Club, with Journey Hospice on the memo line.

Checks or cash may also be dropped off at State Farm Insurance or the Wesbanco’s Sistersville branch. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

For more information, contact Walsh at 304-652-4012.