SUBMITTED BY SHINN'S RUN CEOS CLUB

The Shinn’s Run Community Educational Outreach Service club wanted to make sure those battling serious illnesses didn’t feel socially isolated during this time of social distancing.

The Bridgeport-based club donated nearly 200 tray favors to West Virginia University Medicine Hospice in Harrison County  that will be given to Hospice clients and their families. The favors contain various snack items, along with the message, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

 

“I think the time and thoughtfulness put into each treat bag is incredible,” said WVU Extension Agent Ric Rodriguez. “It truly amazes me that during a global pandemic our CEOS members are thinking of how they can give back and help their community. I am lucky to have the opportunity to work with such caring individuals.”

 

Shinn’s Run CEOS vice president Vicky Ashby said this donation was one of the things club members had planned to do earlier this year, but then the pandemic hit and plans had to be placed on hold. Club president Patricia Rummel added the club had received a letter from the hospice auxiliary describing the needs for these items.

“Anything our patients or their families receive during this time in their life is appreciated, “said Hospice volunteer coordinator Mary Beth Anderson. “They feel like someone cares for them because for these families, it’s a struggle each day.”

 

Hospice Auxiliary favor chairperson Ceffie Haught said the auxiliary has been concentrating efforts through the WVU People’s Hospice and the United Hospital Center, hoping these items can brighten the day of someone who is separated from their loved one during these difficult times. Groups wanting to do this as a community service project can call 304-842-5132 or 304-629-0279 to learn the specifics of what can be donated. The favors, which can be snacks or crafts, can be discussed when the group chooses which month they wish to donate.

 

“You never know what is going to come,” Haught said. “It’s fantastic because anything we can do at this time in their lives offers a ray of hope to them.”

 

Hospice needs about 75-100 favors for each holiday or month, but Haught said an organization does not need to donate the entire lot. Favors can be combined from various other groups. The Hospice celebrates the following holidays: Labor Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. Months without a specific holiday can be celebrated as a Random Act of Kindness Day.

 

 

For more information on joining a CEOS club in Harrison County, please call the West Virginia University Extension Office at 304-624-8650. The programs and activities offered by the WVU Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status. When registering for these programs, please designate special access or dietary needs three weeks prior. The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.

 

Editor's Note: Submitted photo, pictured from left to right:  WVU Extension Agent Ric Rodriguez, Hospice Auxiliary member Ceffie Haught, Shinn’s Run CEOS president Patricia Rummel, Shinn’s Run CEOS vice president Vicky Ashby, and Hospice volunteer coordinator Mary Beth Anderson.