Volunteer Stories
End-of-Life ministry brings out the best in volunteers
The contemporary hospice commitment began in the 1960s with the goal of providing support to those enduring life’s last worldly woes. It is a ministry local volunteers say has its own rewards. Shelia Elledge is one of those – she has been a volunteer for hospice in Texas for a number of years.
“I truly love what I do, and I consider it a blessing being able to visit with the patients that I have,” said Elledge. “The patients are all God’s children and scripture tells us that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” Elledge recently helped a 97-year-old woman, “She said to me that she knew that God had her name in his little black book! Being able to read the Bible to her, taking her for a walk outside, or going to the library with her in the nursing home to get a book to read is a wonderful experience.”
Volunteer coordinator, Jimmie Reese oversees a group of caregivers as young as 16 and as old as 75. The group helps clean, do laundry, cook, mow yards and spend personal time with each patient. “Mother Teresa said that to listen when no one else will, is a true gift from God,” comments Reese. “Our hospice has 43 such individuals and these volunteers have logged over 1,714 hours listening, reading, holding hands, and showing love and respect to the patients.”
*reprinted with permission from The Galveston County Daily News
“It only takes a few minutes of your time to do little small things for patients. To just sit on the couch with them, talk to them about their families…being the hands and feet of Jesus – it is wonderful to just be able to listen to each patient and be their friend.”
~Shelia Elledge, Volunteer, Texas
