Horizon Hospice needs volunteers

Horizon Hospice is looking for volunteers to help terminally ill patients and their families.

Nancine Hawkins, who works with volunteers for the organization, said helpers range in age from teens to seniors.

They help with yard work, shopping and even read to patients.

Sometimes visits mean the world to people who are dying, she said, and they also help families who need a respite from the demands of care giving.

One volunteer, a veteran, comes and simply sits and talks about war experiences with a patient who is also a veteran.

“It’s a privilege to be able to be a part of this person’s life at this stage of life,” Hawkins said.

About 15 people volunteer, she said, but need is growing.

“We could probably use two to three times that many.”

People interested in volunteering can reach Hawkins at 489-4581.