Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service held its 27th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on May 2, 2008 at St. George Antiochian Church in Fairlawn. The celebration was held in conjunction with National Volunteer Appreciation Week which was April 28 - May 3.

In 2007, more than 800 Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates (VNSA) volunteers completed over 17,000 volunteer hours, primarily at the Hospice of VNS Care Center on Ridgewood Road in Fairlawn. Volunteers are an important part of the VNSA organization, and perform tasks ranging from visiting patients and their families, baking treats for hospice families, to arranging flowers and performing clerical work.

The luncheon included a speech by President and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Dan Flowers, in which he emphasized the importance of the volunteer spirit in non-profit organizations. A formal program followed, in which both the Dorcas Service Circle of the High Street Christian Church and the Friendship Auxiliary of Billow Chapter #483 Order of the Eastern Star received awards for 50 years of service. Copley-Fairlawn Middle School received an award for ten years of service.

Individually, three volunteers were recognized for 1,000-2,400 hours of service, ten for 500-999, and 40 for up to 499 hours of service. Four volunteers received a ten-year service pin and seven received a five-year pin.

Spring volunteer training classes will be held in May for anyone interested in becoming a special part of VNSA. For more information call Terri DeGeorge, Manager of Volunteer Services, at 330-668-4650 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4650 or Joyce Hargreaves, Volunteer Assistant/Trainer at 330-668-4637.

About Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS)
The purpose of Hospice of VNS is to alleviate suffering, engender hope, promote living and facilitate grieving among patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, their families and their communities. Hospice of VNS is a 2006 and 2007 HomeCare Elite Top Agency, and is an affiliate of Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates (comprised of Advanced Infusion Services, Hospice of VNS, VNS Personal Care Services, VNS Equipment & Supplies and Visiting Nurse Service). VNSA serves Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Wayne and surrounding counties and is a member of the Akron General Health System. Visit us on the web at www.vnsa.com.

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