From STAFF REPORTS
CORDELE — In observance of National Volunteer Week, United Hospice of Cordele is spotlighting its volunteers in the Crisp and Wilcox County areas.
The volunteers include George Scott, Mamie Warren, Tashiya Davis, Pamela Killens and Lateaco Walker.
Scott volunteers, he says, because he wants to “help the elderly and others in need so they will not be alone or lonely.”
“Mr. George goes out of his way to provide companionship and devotion to our patients,” says Kathy Bennett, volunteer coordinator for United Hospice of Cordele. “He is the model volunteer.”
Scott has volunteered for United Hospice since June 2007. He lives in Pineview and is active in his church, enjoys a variety of hobbies and has recently been named city judge of Rochelle.
“Mrs. Mamie Warren volunteers for United Hospice in a nontraditional way,” Bennett explains.
“She sews lap quilts for our patients and they love receiving this present. She has a wonderful gift of sewing. She goes out of her way to find out if a particular patient likes a certain color before sewing a quilt.”
Mrs. Warren works full time for Monograms Galore in Cordele, but still finds the time to make one or two quilts a month for the patients.
She has brightened many patients’ beds with her talent since she became a volunteer in October 2008. Mrs. Warren lives in Rochelle.
In addition to her job and volunteering, Mrs. Warren enjoys spending time with her family as often as she can.
Tashiya Davis volunteers because she wants “to offer her love, support, and help that the patient wants or needs.”
Ms. Davis is a full time student and still volunteers for United Hospice. “Tashiya is a wonderful person with a kind heart.
“She is one of the sweetest persons that I have met,” says Bennett. Ms. Davis has volunteered for United Hospice of Cordele since January 2009.
She lives in Cordele and is very active in her church and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, she says.
Pamela Killens says she volunteers to get out of the house and help other people. “Ms. Killens is such a team player, and whatever is asked of her, she jumps in and helps,” Bennett says.
Ms. Killens became a volunteer for United Hospice of Cordele in February. She lives here in Cordele, and in addition to volunteering, she enjoys reading and visiting with people.
Lateaco Walker became a volunteer for United Hospice because, “I like meeting new people,” she says.
Mrs. Walker is a full time student at South Georgia Technical College and is employed part-time at Pizza Hut.
“Mrs. Walker is so sweet and nice. The patients are so pleased to see her,” Bennett says.
“She is a fabulous volunteer. If we need her in the office or to sit with a patient, she does not hesitate to say, ‘Whatever you need me to do, I’m ready.’”
Mrs. Walker lives in Cordele, and when she is not in school, working, or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Volunteering is rewarding to both the volunteer, to the patient and family, Bennett says.
“Many volunteer opportunities are available at United Hospice of Cordele. Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer can call 800-288-8466 or 229-271-0300. Training will be provided to qualified volunteers.”
