NFA Students Donate Time and Cookies to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut

Photo: Students from Norwich Free Academy baked cookies for patients and wrapped gifts to benefit Hospice Southeastern Connecticut.

Norwich, CT (December 21, 2009) – Students for the Norwich Free Academy Project Outreach and Italian Club donated dozens of home-baked cookies to be given to patients of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut during the holidays.  They also donated time and talent to a gift-wrapping fundraiser at the Mohegan Sun where shoppers could have their gifts wrapped for a small donation to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut.

Jodi Vara, Project Outreach coordinator, said, “Our goal is to help students, through a positive volunteer experience, become more aware of today’s social issues, establish self-esteem, promote positive decision-making skills and help young people on the path to a productive adulthood.

The students learn about important life issues by volunteering for Hospice Southeastern Connecticut,” Vara continued.  “Some have had family members suffer from serious illnesses and many have had grandparents pass away.  I do not underestimate their understanding of the important role Hospice Southeastern Connecticut has in our community.”

Carol Mahier, Executive Director of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, added, “The students in NFA’s Project Outreach have a long history of volunteering for Hospice Southeastern Connecticut.  For years, they have helped with our large mailings and our Walk in the Spring. We rely on them often, and are most grateful for their good humor and willingness to help others in the community.”

Hospice Southeastern Connecticut provides care in the home and often in skilled nursing facilities for those facing the end of their life, regardless of age, disease or inability to pay.  The organization also provides bereavement services for families in New London County free of charge, regardless of whether the death occurred under hospice care or not.

About Hospice Southeastern Connecticut

Hospice Southeastern Connecticut is a community-based, non-profit healthcare organization in New London County.  It is the only regional hospice affiliated with both Lawrence & Memorial Hospital and The William W. Backus Hospital.  It is Medicare certified, state licensed and CHAP accredited.  Hospice Southeastern Connecticut has been the hospice of choice for over 7,500 families since 1985.