I want to encourage you to attend the Hospice of Murray County fundraiser in Iona Minnesota, this weekend. It will be held on two evenings, both Friday and Saturday nights, at St. Columbia Hall in Iona. This will be the thirtieth annual Hospice Spring Benefit, with proceeds used to fund Hospice of Murray County’s daily work and needs. On March 31 and April 1, local talent will perform Wendy and Wendell’s Wonderful Wacky W.A.S.P. Wedding. Ticket price is $ 20.00, which includes a three course meal and the entertaining play. The fun and delicious food begins at 6:00 P.M. both evenings. Tickets can be gotten from the Hospice office in Slayton or by calling 507-836-8114.
This organization is close to my heart because my father used their services and facilities in the fall of 2016. His care was compassionate, complete, and professional. Our family was welcomed to be with him during his last days, and we also were treated with kindness and encouragement in our time of sadness and difficulty. I am also a volunteer for Hospice, and have been since my retirement from teaching in 2012. I have met some wonderful people, both staff and residents at the Hospice House in Slayton. Some of my time volunteering also takes place in private homes and at Maple Lawn Nursing Home.
Sometimes people ask me what kind of work volunteers do for Hospice. There is a wide variety of help needed. Visits to residents, especially in their own homes or a nursing home, is always welcomed. Meal preparation at the Hospice House over the noon hour is scheduled five days a week, Monday through Friday. A couple times a year there are days scheduled to do some thorough cleaning at the Hospice House, including windows, inside and out. Outside care with flowers and landscaping is another needed spot for volunteers. In the fall (usually in September) a giant rummage sale is held at the Murray County Fairgrounds. Many volunteers are needed to get ready, hold the week long sale, and clean up. Also volunteers provide snacks and meals for those who are on site to work the sale. Whatever your talents are, you could be used!
It is a fulfilling time of volunteering, and if you are interested in giving some of your time to this worthwhile organization, please call and ask for Mary at 507-836-8114. She is the Volunteer Coordinator, and she would love to hear from you! There has been a slight change in 2017 with new volunteers. They now need to be fingerprinted, and it can be done in several area communities. These include Pipestone, Marshall, Worthington, New Ulm, Blue Earth, and Sherburn.
Just in case you are wondering, funds are being collected to be able to start the building of the Tracy House now too. Funds are coming in, but there is a ways to go before groundbreaking will happen. Another fundraiser is slated to be held on April 30th to raise funds for the Tracy House building. Please watch the area newspapers for details.
Maybe you can’t physically help in any of the above areas. Hospice can still use your help in fulfilling their “Wish List”! They are in need of the following items, and Mary, the Volunteer Coordinator, would love to talk with you. THANK YOU for any help you can offer; all of it is appreciated, no matter how big or small.
Wish List
Bird seed
Squirrel food
Adult clothing protectors
Newspaper subscriptions
K-Cups for Keurig
Bath towel sets
Extra long twin bed sheets
Monetary donations for: landscaping, meat, groceries, paper products, and solar lights.
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