How You Can Help

Volunteer Opportunities

As a volunteer, there are numerous ways to help Hospice of the Carolina Foothills carry out its mission, and all ways are vital. We need folks who can hold a hand, comfort a loss, use a computer, deliver supplies, bake cookies, sort and clean donations, attend health fairs, and so much more. One of our greatest ongoing needs is for patient companion volunteers, especially in our South Carolina service area (from Landrum down to Inman and from Glassy Mountain over to Fingerville). And our newest opportunities for volunteers are in our Smith Phayer Hospice House and our Hospice Thrift Barn , both located in Landrum.

The work of a HoCF volunteer is amazingly rewarding; and it is common to hear volunteers say over and over, "You get back so much more than you give."

We hope you will find a way to use your interests and talents to volunteer with us, joining the more than 200 people in Polk County, NC, and Upstate South Carolina who already give of themselves to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and friends.

Patient and Family Support
Patient Companion Volunteers are a vital part of our hospice team. They work in private homes, nursing homes, assisted living and retirement communities, Smith Phayer Hospice House, and hospitals to provide companionship for patients and to give caregivers a break. These volunteers sit with patients, listen to their stories, read, play music, help with hobbies, and hold a hand. Their visits often give family members a much-needed break. Sometimes they help with pets, do light yard work or gardening, or run errands.

Eleventh Hour Volunteers
A particular role that some patient companions fulfill is to simply “stand by” during the final 24 to 48 hours of a patient's life. Eleventh Hour Volunteers sit at the bedside, providing a peaceful presence and bringing comfort to the family.

Bereavement Support
These volunteers keep in touch with those who are grieving by calling, writing, and visiting in person. Bereavement Volunteers also assist at support groups and bereavement seminars.

Good Samaritans
Good Samaritans serve as liaisons between their churches and hospice, to ensure that the needs of the church family and community will be conveyed to Hospice, and to keep the church community aware of opportunities at Hospice for education, support and service.

Office Support
These helping hands do computer work, filing, assist in Medical Records, assist with mailings, and help with many and varied support functions at both Smith Phayer Hospice House in Landrum and the Administration & Program Center in Columbus.

Hospice Thrift Barn
Many volunteers are needed each day Monday through Saturday to help with a myriad of jobs associated with a thrift store. Donation room jobs include: receiving, sorting, cleaning, and pricing donations that are received daily. On the sales floor, jobs include greeting customers, answering the telephone, running the cash register, bagging, selling, and keeping the floor stocked and in good order. Shifts are typically 3 hours in length. The work is a lot of fun and raises much-needed funds to fulfill the mission of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Special Events
Health fairs, brochure and newsletter delivery, volunteer trainings, community parades and our Annual Tree of Life are some of the times special events volunteers pitch in..

Hospitality Committee
This group bakes, decorates, and sometimes serves at community events sponsored by Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

How Do I Get Started?
If you're interested in volunteering or would like more information, contact Tracey Brannon (828.894.7000, 800.617.7132, or email tbrannon@hocf.org) or Yvonne Gilliam (864-457-9125 or email ygilliam@hocf.org).

[ Click here to see what volunteers have to say about their experiences with hospice. ]