LENOIR, NC (June, 9 2017)…Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPC) recently honored its volunteers with a Dr. Seuss-themed banquet at The Robbins Center in Hudson. Approximately 165 people attended the annual appreciation event, which included dinner, entertainment and a recognition ceremony.
A number of volunteers were recognized for years of service to CHPC, including seven long-time supporters who together have given a combined 195 years of service to the organization. Roberta Blinson and Board Chair emeritus Parker Williamson were recognized for 35 years of service each; Mary Farmer and Patty Williamson for 30 years each; Allison Jensen for 25 years, and Roger Register and Susan Story for 20 years of service each.
Also recognized was volunteer Reba Barlow as the 2016 recipient of the Judith Lund Person Hospice Volunteer Award through The Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care, honoring extraordinary hospice volunteers in North and South Carolina. With an attitude of service and compassion, Barlow spent nearly 700 hours at Caldwell Hospice in just the last five years providing companionship and caregiver relief, offering 11th Hour support, helping with gardening projects, lending a hand at special events and health fairs, facilitating the Virtual Dementia Tour® within the community, and assisting with countless other projects.
CHPC volunteers contributed 12,578 hours of service during the 2015-16 fiscal year, accepted 200 new patient and family assignments, and presented 51 Veterans Honoring Veterans ceremonies.
“Our volunteers offered many other kindnesses that aren’t captured in a report and can’t be quantified. We are so grateful to all the volunteers who work tirelessly for our patients and families all year long,” said Bonn. “We could not provide the level of service that we do without them.”
More than 300 volunteers (including adults and volunTEENs) assist with clerical duties, patient-and-family visits, special projects, yard work, or whatever is asked of them. For information or to register for Caldwell Hospice’s next adult volunteer training sessions, scheduled for October 9 and 11, call 828.754.0101 or email volunteercoordinator@caldwellhospice.org.