Rigney joins a Bible study group from First Baptist Church of Gowensville who several years ago were seeking a mission. They found one, not in Central America or Africa, but right in their own backyard, in Landrum.

A member of the group suggested organizing snack basket contributions, having seen the success and popularity of a similar effort at another Hospice facility. They looked into starting their own program, and soon it took off.

Now, every Sunday night, the group collects monetary donations, and when Hospice calls to say snacks are low, one group member goes on a shopping spree buying applesauce, pudding, chips, tuna, crackers and other munchies for Hospice House families.

Bible study facilitators Lynne Paff and Pete Sports head up the snack basket ministry, which helps keep the snack pantry at the Hospice House amply supplied.

“Baskets are in each of the patient rooms,” Paff says, “and Hospice House volunteers make sure the baskets are always filled.”

Paff saw the fruits of their ministry in action when a former classmate was admitted to Hospice House.

“His dad told me how great it was when they got there and the basket just happened to be filled with Tootsie Rolls…Tootsie Rolls were his favorite,” she said. “That made us feel really good.”

For information about all kinds of volunteer opportunities at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, call Jean Pearson, volunteer services manager, at 864-457-9125 or 828-894-2881.

– article submitted by Marsha Van Hecke