CLEARFIELD – The staff and volunteers of Clearfield Hospital Hospice know that a small gesture can make a big impact.
Take, for example, the agency’s newest outreach program, Flowers for Friends, an initiative in which patients receive an expression of caring in the form of floral bouquets.
“It’s amazing how a simple bouquet of flowers can bring so much joy. Giving flowers to patients is just one of the many ways we let them know they are special to us,” said Dana Wilson, hospice volunteer coordinator.
Susan Ruof, hospice volunteer, planted the seed for the project several months ago during a volunteer meeting. Wilson and the other volunteers liked the idea so much that they decided to see if there would be enough community support to develop and sustain such an initiative.
They found an eager partner in Michele Waroquier of Clearfield Florist, who agreed to donate flowers.
“I’m honored to help bring a little bit of joy and happiness to others through Flowers for Friends,” Waroquier said.
Local churches West Side United Methodist in Clearfield and Grace United Methodist Church in Philipsburg, and Clearfield Hospital employees joined the effort by donating new and used vases.
“Because of the support that we received, it wasn’t long before the idea blossomed into a weekly activity,” Wilson said.
Every Thursday, Burton Maines and Emily Shurer pick up flowers at Clearfield Florist. Volunteers then create arrangements using the donated flowers and vases and deliver them to patients throughout the area.
“There’s a lot of love put into each and every bouquet,” Wilson said.
Maines sees first-hand the effect the flowers have on those receiving them.
“You’d be surprised how much a bouquet of flowers can brighten someone’s day. Being involved with Flowers for Friends has allowed me to meet many great people. They have interesting stories to tell and I’ve learned a lot from them,” Maines said.
Shurer, who is a junior at Clearfield Area High School, agreed and added, “For me, this is about doing something nice for people when they need it the most.”
Clearfield Hospital Hospice provides personal care and support for terminally ill persons and their families. It serves residents of Clearfield, Centre and Jefferson counties, as well as parts of the bordering counties of Elk, Blair, Indiana and Cambria.
Ms. Wilson said there is always a need for volunteers and donations to help support efforts such as Flowers for Friends. For more information, please contact her at 768-2012 or by e-mail at dwilson@clearfieldhosp.org.
