Hospice Satilla is topic at Rotary

Last week’s Blackshear Rotary Club program highlighted the meaningful work of Hospice Satilla and the volunteers who help bring comfort, companionship and dignity to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Hospice Satilla representatives Julie Tanner and Cathy McGee shared that volunteers are an essential part of the hospice care team and there are many ways to serve. Opportunities range from visiting patients and families or volunteering at the Hospice House to helping with administrative tasks, community events, fundraising and the organization’s Junior Board. Hospice Satilla is currently seeking additional volunteers to help meet the growing needs of patients and families in our community. Longtime volunteer and board member, McGee, shared how her own family’s experiences with Hospice Satilla inspired her to give back. After witnessing the compassionate care provided to both her father-in-law and mother, she found a new calling in volunteer service. One of her most meaningful experiences was spending seven months visiting a hospice patient each Wednesday afternoon. The two watched television, shared stories, laughed and cried together and McGee ultimately held her hand during her final hours. Tanner also told Club members about a creative new volunteer projects, including handmade heart pillows for patients and memory pillows created from a loved one’s clothing for families to take home as a keepsake. Pictured (l-r): Hospice Satilla representatives Julie Tanner, Cathy McGee and Stacey Thrift, Rotary club past president.