“Over 220 people have stepped forward to provide care to
residents at the house who have a terminal illness,” explained JoAnne White,
Volunteer Coordinator. “We give them the
basics on caregiving, but they bring the heart to the house. All the care is provided by volunteers in
four hour shifts from 8 am to midnight every day.” But many of the volunteers are snow birds and
White says the need for volunteers increases significantly in the winter.
“The most important part of a volunteer’s job is to be there
– for the resident and for their family,” said White. Volunteers work in pairs to provide care, but
often the care means sitting by the bedside, sharing favorite music and stories,
or chatting with family members.
“If you have said that this is the year you’re going to do
more for your community and the people around you, here’s your chance,” White
continued. “This is important work -
helping families during their most difficult time. It’s good for them to know they are not
alone.”
But the work is not all serious or scary. “The first thing I like to do when I get to
the house in the morning is fry up some bacon,” said Kim Toot, a volunteer at
the Hart Comfort House. “It smells so
good. And who doesn’t like bacon?” It’s not unusual to find volunteers sharing
their stories with each other and with their friends. “I have been volunteering here since I
retired. This has been some of the most rewarding work I’ve done.”
The volunteer training on January 25th is at 9 am
at Grace United Church, 289 N. Main Street, Wellsville. All those who want to know more about
volunteering at the Hart House are encouraged to call White at 585-596-1045.
