Good Samaritan Hospice, located at 125 Arrowhead Trail in Christiansburg, welcomes six new family service volunteers from the New River Valley: Morgan Doughty, Kim Kullman, Jen Lowell, Janne Mathes, Bobbi Mitchell and Dianna Olinger.

“We’re delighted with this spring class of 2008,” Karita Knisely, volunteer coordinator said. “Each one is dedicated to the ideals of hospice and will be instrumental in helping families and patients in the New River Valley who are dealing with life-limiting illnesses.”

Volunteers complete 21 hours of training that highlights the various aspects of hospice care, including the philosophy of hospice and the hands-on aspects of assisting patients. They also learned how the hospice team works together to provide holistic care for patients and their families. While some volunteers are retired, others are employed full-time. Regardless, hospice volunteers share a passion to carry out the mission of affirming life in the midst of illness and grief.

The majority of volunteers will work directly with hospice patients and their families but others do behind the scenes tasks such as clerical jobs, public relations work and fund-raising activities. Family service volunteers visit in the homes and provide respite for primary care-givers. They may do light chores around the house, prepare meals or snacks and spend time listening.

“This is an outstanding group of volunteers that are now an integral part of our New River Valley team,” said Martie Byrum, Director of Patient Services. “They are already serving Good Samaritan patients and families in various ways. We greatly value each volunteer’s contribution.”

Knisely said people can call her at 540.381.3171 for more information about becoming a hospice volunteer or visit the organization’s Web site.