In conjunction with National Hospice Month, McLeod Hospice is offering a new "Hospice Volunteering 101" class for persons interested in helping Hospice patients and/or assisting the Hospice support staff.

            Volunteers play a vital role in McLeod Hospice. Volunteers may make deliveries to patients’ homes or provide companionship by visiting patients either in their homes or at the McLeod Hospice House. They may also provide massage therapy, pet therapy or play the piano or another instrument for patients. Volunteers perform clerical work (serving as a receptionist for the Hospice House, putting together charts or filing), bake or sew for patients/families or provide gardening skills in the McLeod Hospice Sensory Garden.

            A life-limiting illness can be devastating and have far-reaching effects. Patients and their families need a solid support system during this time of crisis. McLeod Hospice provides that support.

            The caring spirit and helping hands of hospice volunteers reach out to people in the community. As a hospice volunteer, individuals can choose to work directly with patients and families or help in a hundred other ways – making a difference in someone’s life.

            The volunteer training program will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the McLeod Hospice House located at 1203 East Cheves Street in Florence.

            Attendees must register in advance if they plan to participate in the training.

McLeod Hospice serves Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Lee, Marion, Clarendon and Williamsburg counties.

For more information or to register, please call Jennifer Hunter, Volunteer Coordinator for McLeod Hospice, at (843) 777-5667.