Grundy Center: These volunteers recently joined the Cedar Valley Hospice’s team of over 400 volunteers who provide companionship and support to patients. They will serve in the Grundy Center area and include Janet Schildroth, Shawn Garrington and Rodney Garrington. Photo submitted

Fourteen new volunteers recently joined Cedar Valley Hospice’s team of nearly 400 volunteers who donate their time and talents to serve patients and their families. These volunteers will provide companionship and socialization, work as greeters at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home, as an office volunteer, a bereavement volunteer, work with children in our Eucalyptus Tree program, as quilt makers and cookie bakers as well as assist at fundraising events.

“Our mission is met daily by our volunteers,” said Cedar Valley Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Paula Steimel. “We are there either in patients’ own homes or at our Hospice Home. Comfort can be found in a hand held or the offering of a home-baked cookie. Volunteers make it very clear that no one needs to walk this journey alone and they are here ready to serve.”

Cedar Valley Hospice volunteers age from 17- 90 and come from all backgrounds. All volunteers dealing with patients must attend a 16-hour training class to better understand the role of the staff and what services they provide to patients. This group will serve at all four Cedar Valley Hospice sites: Waterloo, Independence, Waverly and Grundy Center.

If you are interested in becoming a Cedar Valley Hospice volunteer, call 319.272.2002.