By: Alisa Haddox, Administrator at Homestead Hospice

Happy New Year everyone!

Now that a new year is upon us and many are thinking what is something different I could do this year? I have the perfect suggestion. Why not give some of your time to volunteering?

Here at Homestead Hospice there are a lot of ways you can get involved in volunteering, and the rewards of doing something for somebody else far out ways the satisfaction of any time that you give.

Here at Homestead Hospice we have a variety of programs you can choose from: patient and family support, bereavement mail outs that are done monthly here at the office, helping to answer phones at the office, helping at community events such as health fairs, festivals, birthday parties and special events at several of the nursing facilities we visit and Relay for Life.

There are other ways you can get involved such as making patriotic blankets for our veteran’s, baking homemade bake goods for our patients, and helping to do yard work such as rake leaves and cut grass for a patient. We even have a Jr. Volunteer Program for preteens and a Teen Program for high school students.

The ways you can make the difference in the life of another are endless. I encouraged everyone to please consider volunteering to help others in 2016. Not only does it help them and you, but it also improves the community you live in.

Winston Churchill once said, “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” Here are the top 10 reasons why you should get out and volunteer in 2016.

• No. 10: It’s good for you.

• No. 9: It saves resources.

• No. 8: Volunteers gain professional experience.

• No. 7: It brings people together.

• No. 6: It promotes personal growth and self esteem.

• No. 5: Volunteering strengthens your community.

• No. 4: You learn a lot.

• No. 3: You get a chance to give back.

• No. 2: Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.

• No. 1: You can make a difference.

If you are interested in becoming a Homestead Hospice volunteer or would like more information please call me at 251.578.2939.