Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County celebrated the contributions of volunteers during National Volunteer Week, honoring 161 volunteers who contributed 5,866 hours of service in 2015. Volunteers were honored during the annual volunteer awards event this week.

Hospice volunteers play a vital role with the Quality of Life teams serving hospice patients and their families, providing respite care, caregiver relief, companionship, shopping, delivery of medications and supplies, massage, beautician and barber services, and gardening. Volunteers also serve as educators about hospice services in the community, create Memory Bears for loved ones, visit with pet therapy animals, and play a key role in honoring hospice patients who are veterans. Volunteers also provide clerical and office support, serve as receptionists, assist with fundraising events and data entry.

“Volunteer service to our organization is calculated at  $130,202,” says Krissy McKim-Barker, Volunteer Coordinator for Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County.  “But their contribution is actually priceless.  They give from their hearts and touch the lives of patients and families with compassion and care that far exceeds any dollar amount.”

There are always opportunities for volunteers interested in direct patient contact and care to serve, with flexibility in the time and location of service. For additional information please visit https://www.hospiceofmiamicounty.org/volunteer-services/