Lindsay Moore, manager of the Hospice Thrift Barn, spoke to the Columbus Lions recently about the services offered by Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and the ways in which volunteers at their Thrift Barn play a huge role in funding these services.

He explained that Hospice helps anyone diagnosed with an end-stage illness, providing care at home, in nursing homes or wherever they live. The cost of Hospice is covered by Medicare/Medicaid benefits or a patient’s private insurance. However, Hospice services are available without regard to a person’s insurance coverage or ability to pay. To ensure all can receive the services, Hospice depends on funds from their Thrift Barn, as well as the support of their community.

Moore entertained the Lions with his stories of the day-to-day events at the Thrift Barn. He spoke of the camaraderie among the volunteers and the satisfaction they feel in supporting Hospice. He smiled as he told of his reply to folks who ask for price reductions on the store’s merchandise.

“When someone offers $7 for a $10 item, I like to say, ‘Fine – that’s $7 for the item and a $3 donation to Hospice.”

As manager of the Hospice Thrift Barn, Moore explained the necessity of volunteers. They are needed each day, Monday through Saturday, to help with a wide variety of jobs. These range from greeting customers, answering phones and selling items to receiving, sorting, cleaning and pricing donations.

Work can even be tailored to individual preference, he said, telling of a volunteer who comes in one day a week to polish silver and of another who does only laundry. Work shifts are typically three hours in length. In closing, he encouraged the Lions to spread the word that more volunteers are needed and to contact Thrift Barn staff at 864-457-7348.

The Columbus Lions Club is part of Lions Club International, the worlds largest service club. To learn more about being a Lion and what Lions do in the community, call Pat Recker at 828-894-2615. The Columbus Lions meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at Calvert’s Kitchen. Visitors are welcome.