Volunteer at Hospice

With a new volunteer training coming up in March, Niagara Hospice is looking for compassionate individuals who want to make a difference.

"We have many volunteer opportunities available," said Director of Volunteer Services Alice Beck. "Positions include patient related and non-patient related jobs. Volunteers are especially needed to assist with meal and comfort tote deliveries, hairdressing, and to simply visit with patients."

Visits take place in the patient's or caregiver's home, at Niagara Hospice House, and at area long term care facilities where hospice patients reside. Other opportunities include helping with clerical tasks and fundraising efforts.

Veterans are also needed to serve as hospice volunteers as part of the We Honor Veterans initiative recently launched by Niagara Hospice in partnership with the WNY Veteran's Administration. "Our hospice patients who are veterans often don't talk about their service, but we have found that when we pair them up with a volunteer who is also a veteran, a special camaraderie is shared and patients find comfort and even relief being able to talk about their experience in the service with another veteran, Tricia Degan, director of marketing and public relations, said.

Area high school teens are needed to carry on with the Legacy Videos project. By producing Legacy Videos, teens help patients record their life story.

Niagara Hospice will hold a volunteer training for new volunteers 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, March 20 and 21. Anyone interested can contact the Hospice volunteer office at 280-0748 for an application and to register. Potential volunteers must attend both sessions that will be held at Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport. Volunteers can choose to help in areas of their preference.

For more information, call 439-4417 or visit the website at www.NiagaraHospice.org.