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Aveanna Hospice of Andalusia celebrated its volunteers in honor of National Volunteer Month with a luncheon at its office on Wednesday, April 24.

According to Aveanna Hospice Executive Director Kim Ray, volunteers help in several ways.

“Our volunteers are such an important part of our hospice team,” Ray said. “Direct volunteers visit patients while their caregivers run an errand or go to an appointment. Though they can’t provide patient care such as feeding a patient or helping them to the bathroom, they can read to the patient, provide companionship, and some even sing and entertain them. Indirect service is assisting hospice staff in the office with tasks such as filing or answering telephones, attending community events, and doing crafts for our patients on holidays. Anyone who is aged 18 or older can volunteer, and 15 or older may with a parent’s consent.”

Judy Ramsey serves as the coordinator of the volunteer program at Aveanna Hospice. She has worked for the company as an administrative assistant for 15 years and acted as the volunteer coordinator for the last three years.

“I love our volunteers. Each one is special and makes a difference. I am grateful they choose to volunteer with our patients and us. Whether they do direct care or indirect care, every moment adds something to our patients, caregivers, and staff. Volunteers go through training that is specific to hospice, infection control, and emergency preparedness. They all have background checks before they begin their volunteer duties. April is their month, and we appreciate all the time they spend with our patients and the time they spend at the office working,” Ramsey said.

Roger Campbell is a veteran who has been a direct volunteer with Aveanna for two years.

“I am proud to serve as a volunteer and enjoy connecting with our patients who are fellow veterans. I am involved in our pinning ceremonies, where we honor those who have served our great country,” Campbell said.

Braden Crates is the son of Ray and has grown up in the office. Braden has volunteered for a year, and for him, it was an easy decision to volunteer.

“I like participating in community events like the Christmas parade and the Celebration of Life. My mom has worked for hospice for 12 years, so I already knew everyone in the office,” he said.

Additional direct and indirect volunteers are Ginger Burdett, nine years; Lola Shakespeare, two years; Janet Brantley, 12 years; Mary Brazzell, 10 years; Carolyn Deforest, one year; Ruth Duncan, 15 years; and James Calvin Watkins, three years.

Additional indirect volunteers are Summer Brown, six years; Judy Phillips, five years; and Carla Mooney, 11 years.

Aveanna Hospice is located at 820 South Three Notch Street, Suite C in Andalusia. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those interested in volunteering may stop by the office and speak to Judy Ramsey at the front desk.

For more information call Aveanna Hospice at 334-427-4000.