LUMBERTON — The Friends of Hospice group is looking to make more friends in the community.
The volunteer group meets monthly to organize fundraisers for Southeastern Hospice, Robeson County’s only not-for-profit hospice agency.
The group has about 15 dedicated and active members, said Sheryl Taylor, Southeastern Hospice’s volunteer program leader.
“As we are now focused on the 2018 Festival of Trees, we are trying something new — meeting as a group to craft and create items to sell in the Santa Shop,” Taylor said.
A very diverse group, it has many strengths, Taylor said. Some are extremely talented artists who are creative with crafts, while others are excellent organizers. Several excel at procuring donations from businesses and individuals. All work together for a worthy cause they believe in and truly enjoy being together.
Many of the Friends of Hospice members have been touched by hospice services in their lives or had friends or family who have benefited from their services. Lumberton resident and group Chair Fran Smart started volunteering 16 years ago after retiring from J.C. Penney.
“Everyone knows what hospice is, and it’s something that everyone appreciates,” Smart said. “The Friends of Hospice is a group where everyone works together and everyone loves everyone else.”
Charlotte Thompson, an accomplished artist who lives near Maxton, enjoys volunteering with the group because she can use her crafting skills for a purpose.
“It’s a good cause,” Thompson said. “I love to do crafts and paint, and I feel like I’m contributing something for others.”
For more information, or to join the Friends of Hospice, contact Taylor at 910-735-8915 or [email protected].
