Across America, students are returning to school as summer fades to a distant memory. And many of them will be thinking about volunteering this school year. The Corporation for National & Community Service, the federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in volunteer service and grant-making, reported that in 2015, 25.7 percent of college students volunteered, delivering 286 million hours of service with a value of $6.7 billion.
Each May, we observe Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is “Connect, Create, Contribute” which encourages older adults to connect with their community, create vibrant and engaging activities, and contribute by sharing their time, talents, and experience.
When Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care Volunteer Marie Simpson enters a room at a senior living facility with golden retriever Kylie, the dog immediately gravitates to the individual that she senses needs her the most. She’ll sit right next to the person, just being there with patience and a remarkable sensitivity.
Today marks the beginning of National Volunteer Month in America, but the tradition of serving others without pay dates back to the beginning of our country.
Many people start a new year with the resolution to do more in their community. A lot of them don’t often think of it as an option, but volunteering with a hospice can actually be incredibly rewarding. Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities to fit the talents and interests of anyone who would like to share their time with us.
There are many ways you can give back in your community. So why volunteer at a hospice? That’s a fair question to ask when you’re considering how you can donate your time and talents. Hospice volunteers are tasked with a very special mission: to bring smiles to our terminally ill patients. Here’s what you need to know about why it’s so important to volunteer at a hospice.