April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week, and organizations across the country are celebrating their service — the gifts of time, attention, and understanding — that volunteers give to support their communities. This commitment is especially impactful in hospice care, where volunteers are a fundamental and longstanding part of the delivery of care and support services.
At Hospice of Central PA, 138 trained volunteers help to fulfill our mission to provide the highest quality of emotional, physical and spiritual support with compassion and respect. Many of our volunteers help those living with a life-limiting illness live as fully as possible and on their own terms. Volunteers help meet the needs of patients and their loved ones by providing emotional support and companionship, sending hand-written letters and cards and supporting bereavement programming. Our community is stronger and more unified because of their service.
During National Volunteer Week, we honor and celebrate these caring individuals that do so much for so many — particularly hospice volunteers that accompany people during life’s final journey. Volunteers have been a part of the hospice movement since its founding and continue to be a special part of hospice care that brings compassion and dignity to patients and their families.
You can learn more about hospice care by contacting Hospice of Central PA at 717-732-1000 or by visiting our volunteers page. During National Volunteer Week, take time to explore the volunteer opportunities at HCP and support those who need it most.
Volunteer Testimonials
“In my family, I have seen the blessing that comes when a medical team’s focus turns from tests and treatment to quality of life. HCP’s reputation as a caring nonprofit encouraged me to sign up to be a volunteer, and I have been so grateful for the opportunity to support people through hospice. Everyone has a story, and hospice gives me a chance to meet people where they are, to listen to their stories, laugh with their jokes, grieve for their losses and think deeply about where we’re all going.”
– Beth Mader, patient care and 11th hour volunteer
“One Sunday morning a friend and I were looking at the bulletin board at our church when we spotted a flyer from HCP recruiting volunteers. Being newly retired and looking for some meaningful volunteer opportunities, the timing was perfect. That was seven years ago. During these seven years, I have performed a variety of duties in the medical records office, made patient phone calls and helped with special events. I am proud to be a volunteer for HCP. I love being a part of an organization that is committed to providing the highest quality of care for its patients.”
– Susan Wesley, administrative volunteer