A Heart for Hospice: Volunteer Matchmakers

When someone fills out an application to volunteer as a Crossroads Hospice Ultimate Giver, they include a few notes about themselves -- their talents, jobs they've had or have, and what they enjoy. Recently, we came across an application that described an applicant as a retired Vietnam War Veteran who had free time in the afternoons. With those key details, our Volunteer Manager began to work her magic, matching him with a terminally-ill Veteran in his community who could use companion visits.

Every day, our Volunteer Managers put on their matchmaker hats and link up interested volunteers with opportunities that meet their interests, talents, availability and location. Here are few examples of the types of volunteer opportunities at Crossroads.

Companion Visits

For a terminally-ill hospice patient, the gift of companionship can be invaluable. Volunteers read to them, play cards or just sit by their side. In addition to lifting the patient’s spirits, it gives family caregivers a much-needed break.

Pet Companion Visits

If you have a well-behaved, friendly pet, they can join you on companion visits. Dogs, cats, birds and even pot-bellied pigs have made visits to our patients. You can feel the love when a patient and a kind pet connect.

Share Your Talent

Talented artists, singers and musicians volunteer with us to bring their gift to our patients. They sing at facilities, do crafts with patients and perform at Gift of a Day events.

Office Skills Volunteer

If you are an office wiz, our Volunteer Matchmakers will connect you with jobs in our office. From filing to assisting our bereavement and marketing teams, there is always plenty to do.

Do you have other interests or skills you’d like to share with our patients? Call one of our Volunteer Matchmakers today at 888-564-3405 or apply online so they can get started pairing you with your perfect match.