josely.labarrere@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

Heritage Hospice volunteers are spreading love and appreciation this Valentine’s season with the “Scatter Hearts” project, a heartfelt initiative designed to bring joy to hospice patients, particularly veterans.

Valentine’s Day evokes different emotions for different people, but for many, it recalls childhood memories of exchanging handmade cards and decorating classrooms with scattered hearts. Inspired by this tradition, Heritage Hospice volunteers sought to create a similar sense of warmth and connection for their patients.

“The volunteers thought it would be a good time to honor our veterans, acknowledge the sacrifices they have made for us, and bring a smile to our hospice patients,” said Wendy Hellard, Director of Volunteer Services at Heritage Hospice.

Renee Bibler, Volunteer Coordinator, emphasized the project’s emotional impact: “We wanted to reach out to our patients and make their days a little brighter with a little love—so hearts. We hope the heart reminds our patients they are loved.”

 

Crafting hearts for a cause

The wooden hearts, designed to be displayed on doors, were individually painted by Heritage Hospice volunteers and community members in bright and cheerful colors. Special hearts featuring patriotic red, white, and blue designs were created for veteran patients.

“We purchased the wooden hearts, and Deco Art donated the paint,” said Bibler. “We asked any volunteer that wanted to help, as well as some community members. We gave them the empty heart and told them to create something happy and cheerful. Some even painted them in an American flag style.”

Volunteers dedicated an entire afternoon to painting the hearts, ensuring each one carried a personal and meaningful touch.

 

Delivering comfort and care

The February 13th meeting provided an opportunity for volunteers, including those who visit patients weekly, to take part in the project. Some of the volunteers participating are veterans themselves, further reinforcing the project’s mission to honor and connect with fellow veterans.

“On Thursday, Feb. 13th, we will be delivering the decorated wooden hearts to our Heritage Hospice patients (of which some are veterans) in Boyle, Lincoln, Mercer, and Garrard Counties,” said Bibler. “We hope to split up into the four counties with a list of our patients that are in nursing homes and facilities in that area. We will be giving the hearts that are decorated for veterans to our veteran patients.”

 

The role of Volunteers in hospice care

Heritage Hospice relies on its dedicated volunteers to serve patients in various ways, from providing companionship and respite care to administrative duties and special projects.

“This project is done by the Volunteer Services department,” Bibler explained. “Heritage Hospice volunteers are vitally important to our mission. Volunteers provide a special kind of caring and round out our team approach to Hospice care. We have a special Vet-to-Vet program where we try to pair a trained Veteran Volunteer with a Veteran patient.”

“Our veteran-trained volunteers make weekly visits, and we even have a professional hairdresser who provides haircuts for veterans unable to leave their homes,” Hellard added.

Volunteers also design personalized cards for birthdays and special occasions, create fidget quilts for dementia patients, and assist with fundraising events to support hospice services.

How the community can get involved

Heritage Hospice welcomes new volunteers year-round to assist with special projects, office work, and patient visits. Those interested in supporting the “Scatter Hearts” project or other hospice initiatives are encouraged to reach out.

“The best way to support would be to become a trained volunteer,” said Bibler. “Our next volunteer training class is planned for Saturday, April 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hospice building.”

To learn more about volunteering, call 859-236-2425 and ask for Wendy Hellard, Director of Volunteer Services, or Renee Bibler, Volunteer Coordinator.