Every holiday season volunteers provide Christmas gifts to patients who are spending the holidays in the hospital. Volunteers also purchase a gift from a list that the patient provides. The gifts are wrapped and delivered in person to make the patient feel less lonely during a time of year that is typically spent with friends and family.
In addition to individual volunteers, community groups from the area provide the patient with a Christmas stocking stuffed with candy and assorted personal care items. Utah Food Bank provides food to families throughout the state with the help of a network of partner agencies.
Individuals, groups, and families are encouraged to volunteer their time sorting donations as well as assembling boxes. Volunteers can also decorate the boxes which can include festive holiday designs to brighten the lives of recipients. The Candy Cane Corner is a special holiday store that provides gifts to families in need. Volunteers help out by sorting, wrapping, and displaying the gifts. Hospice Care volunteers are always needed to provide care to those with terminal conditions.
This is especially true during the holidays. Volunteering to assist caregivers and family members during this time of year is appreciated. Providing care and comfort to those with advanced illnesses eases the burden of patients and hospital staff as well as their families.
Other volunteer opportunities include making cards and blankets for patients as well as providing clerical assistance as an intern. No medical background is needed to become a volunteer. Meals-on-Wheels provides nutritious meals to seniors throughout Summit, Utah, and Wasatch counties. Volunteers can donate one hour of their time each week to deliver meals to homebound folks. Meals get delivered midday Monday through Friday and weekend meals are delivered on Thursday and Friday.
