Hospice staff and volunteers deliver holiday delights to families

Newton — The season of giving was sparkling at the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. Volunteers, hospice supporters, and staff all pitched in and delivered warm Christmas and seasonal cheer to hospice families Starting on the Monday morning of Dec. 8, the hospice office was the site of the great cookie exchange sponsored every year by the volunteers from the hospice and home health care. They braved the 15 degree weather and showed up to prepare hundreds of cookie trays filled with home baked cookies. “These cookies were baked by volunteers, staff, and students from High Point Regional High School. The Girl Scouts also contributed candy bags for distribution. Our volunteers make trays filled with all of the varieties and prepare them for delivery,” said Sue Morrow, volunteer coordinator. “We have been doing this for about 18 years”. The next round was a delivery of poinsettias donated by Mr. and Mrs. Bono of Vernon. Every year they donate and drop off fifty of these seasonal floral favorites to be delivered to patients homes. The only thing that could be more jolly were the gingerbread houses hand baked, constructed, and decorated by the students of Veritas Christian Academy High School. The week before Christmas, 80 gingerbread houses were delivered and then distributed to families. “It is always an inspiring event to watch all the volunteers, supporters and staff in action; it helps bring the season’s message to the office.” said Roxanne Seigel, director of marketing. The ultimate round of goodies involves the delivering of gift cards and holiday dinners to the families. The cards and food collected by the hospice social service department are donated by hospice staff and volunteers. “I feel privileged to work for an organization that values the dignity of each individual. Especially this time of year our mission to serve all in need regardless of their ability to pay, really brings home how our staff, supporters, and volunteers believe in what they do,” said Marlina Schetting, director of social services. And a final gift is from a lady who gives to hospice workers all year round. Mary Alice keeps the energy level up with her special deliveries of seasonal candy in an appropriately decorated basket that sits on the front desk for all to enjoy. For more information and to find out about volunteering, call Sue Morrow at 973-383-0115.