Volunteerism - Make a Difference in Someone's Life

Article submitted by Trinity Hospice, Gulf Coast, Mississippi.
For more information, they can be reached at 228-396-5750.

One thing certain about aging is that we will change emotionally, physically, and socially. Charlie Smith is determined to maintain control of those changes in his life. A retired Navy Seabee, Charlie discovered the personal rewards of volunteering after his retirement thirty years ago, and again after his wife's death last year.

Charlie volunteers for hospice because it makes him feel good to help others. He is a very active person who takes his "clients" to the mall or to other activities as appropriate. He has made many friends and good memories along the way. He will quickly recommend that you try volunteering; you'll quickly find that YOU greatly benefit from the experience as well as the person you're helping.

A hospice patient may feel they are a burden to their family. There also may be a strong emotional barrier to accepting family assistance. A volunteer does not have this connection, and indeed may become a fresh, welcomed friend to the family and the patient, resulting in a deeper sense of satisfaction to the volunteer.

If you like helping others, if you like to stay active and make new friends, then volunteering is for you. Like Charlie says, "try it, you'll like it!" Charlie is a volunteer for Trinity Hospice. For more information contact Rhonda Walker at 228-396-5750.