Give the Gift of Compassion This Year
Give the Gift of Compassion This Year. During this season of giving, please consider donating to Gilchrist. Your gift helps ensure compassionate care and support to all who need it. Here is a wonderful letter from a supporter on why she gives to Gilchrist.
Gilchrist will always hold a special place in my heart. When my son-in-law, Danny, became ill more than 13 years ago, I was amazed at how deeply the Gilchrist staff could care about someone they never knew.
The nurses were so kind and gentle, making sure he was comfortable and at peace. They did everything they could for not only Danny but our whole family. How wonderful to have this compassionate care at such a painful time! It truly touched my heart. I thought back to all those years before when I lost my mother at age 3, and I couldn’t help but wonder what a difference hospice might have made had it been available then.
My experience with Gilchrist inspired me to become a hospice volunteer. I love spending time with patients. I ask about their lives and get to know them—and I feel a connection with each one. Many have a sense of humor, and we share jokes and funny stories. I have learned that even during hard times, laughter is important.
It is so fulfilling to know that as a Gilchrist volunteer, I am part of a team that helps people live life to the fullest for whatever time they have left. I couldn’t do it without my husband, Kennie. We’ve been married for 66 years. He drives me to my volunteer assignments and for many years helped me make gift bags for the children and adults in Gilchrist’s inpatient centers. In fact, my whole family pitches in, including my three granddaughters. I am truly blessed.
I’ve also given to Gilchrist in other ways. Whenever a friend or family member passes away, I send a donation to Gilchrist in their name in lieu of flowers. I feel proud to support an organization that does so much for so many. I know firsthand that every gift, no matter how small, makes a difference in someone’s life.
Every day, Gilchrist provides compassionate care, counseling and support to people during the most heartbreaking moments of their lives. Gilchrist could not do its work without the generous support of caring individuals in the community.
During this season of giving, I hope you will join me in making a tax-deductible gift to Gilchrist to ensure that these critical services continue to be available to anyone who needs them.
Gilchrist has become part of my family, and I get my strength from the dedicated staff members, volunteers and families I meet. I feel honored to be able to give back to this wonderful organization.
I hope you and your family experience all the joy and warmth of the holiday season.
Sincerely,
Elaine Gardner To make your year-end gift to Gilchrist today, visit gilchristcares.org/YearEndGiving.