Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: December 22, 2008
CONTACT: Dr. Roxanne Debski- Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
PHONE: 973-383-0115 FAX: 973-383-6889
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org
PHOTO: Cookie trays are being prepared for delivery by Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice volunteers to hospice patients and their families.
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice staff and volunteers deliver holiday delights to families.
Newton-December 22th, 2008-The season of giving was sparkling at the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. Volunteers, hospice supporters, and staff all pitched in and delivered warm Christmas and seasonal cheer to hospice families. Starting on the Monday morning of Dec 8th, the hospice office was the site of the great cookie exchange sponsored every year by the volunteers from Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and Home Health Care. They braved the 15 degree weather and showed up to prepare hundreds of cookie trays filled with home baked cookies. “These cookies were baked by volunteers, staff, and students from High Point Regional HS. The Girl Scouts also contributed candy bags for distribution. Our volunteers make trays filled with all of the varieties, and prepare them for delivery” Sue Morrow, Volunteer Coordinator explained. “We have been doing this for about 18 years”.
PHOTO: L to R Joan Bono of Vernon, she and her husband deliver poinsettias every year for distribution to hospice families, pictured with Beth Sylvester, Clinical Care Nurse, and standing, Cecelia Clayton, Executive Director of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice.
The next round was a delivery of poinsettias donated by Mr. & Mrs. Bono of Vernon. Every year they donate and drop off fifty of these seasonal floral favorites to be delivered to patients homes. The only thing that could be more jolly were the gingerbread houses hand baked, constructed, and decorated by the students of Veritas Christian Academy High School. The week before Christmas, 80 gingerbread houses were delivered and then distributed to families…just one more little pleasure to help brighten the season of hospice families who are taking care of their loved one in their final days.
“It is always an inspiring event to watch all the volunteers, supporters and staff in action; it helps bring the season’s message to the office.” Roxanne Seigel, Director of Marketing, observed.
PHOTO: Gingerbread houses baked, and prepared by the students of Veritas Christian Academy High School.
The ultimate round of goodies involves the delivering of gift cards and holiday dinners to the families. The cards and food collected by the hospice social service department are donated by hospice staff and volunteers. “I feel privileged to work for an organization that values the dignity of each individual. Especially this time of year our mission to serve all in need regardless of their ability to pay, really brings home how our staff, supporters, and volunteers believe in what they do.” cited Marlina Schetting, Director of Social Services.
And a final gift is from a lady who gives to hospice workers all year round. Mary Alice keeps the energy level up with her special deliveries of seasonal candy in an appropriately decorated basket that sits on the front desk for all to enjoy.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a hospice volunteer, please contact Sue Morrow at 973-383-0115. There are many opportunities for men and women to participate and classes are held three times a year in different locations throughout Sussex and Warren County, and Pike County PA
“All hospice can do is hope to bring a little holiday joy to families who are going through a difficult time.” Said Cecelia Clayton, Executive Director.
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill, Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones and Home Care assistance for recovery patients. For Northern NJ and PA, please call 800 882 1117 to reach any of our services. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ, Karen Ann Quinlan Home Health Care, 755 Memorial Parkway, Phillipsburg, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 315 West Harford St., Milford, PA. For all programs and events or for more information please visit their web site www.karenannquinlanhospice.org.
