12/24/2025
As we reflect on the year gone by, The Community Hospice is proud of our mission to provide compassionate care, guidance, and support with dignity and respect to individuals who are seriously ill or at the end of life. This year, we hosted a variety of therapy programs to help individuals and families cope with loss -- from embroidery workshops to art journaling to ornament-making. We also hosted Camp Erin, bringing together nearly 40 children and teens who have lost a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, or another significant person. The camp provided a safe, nurturing environment where participants could enjoy fun camp games while learning essential skills to cope with their grief. It allowed kids to meet and connect with others their age who also experienced loss, so they know they are not alone.
We are grateful for so many individuals, groups, and families without whom we could not continue our extraordinary work. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Irma Waldo, age 100, a true pioneer who co-founded the first hospice program in New York State. We are also thankful for our hundreds of volunteers who give of their time week after week to support our patients and their families -- from new volunteers to those who have given their time for more than two decades; from college students to retirees; couples to sisters, and even a mother and son duo who volunteer! From those who delivered flowers to brighten a patient's day, to those who visited a centenarian on her 100th birthday, and those who simply sat quietly with a dying patient. Their contributions mean the world.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our families and communities -- from the young elementary schoot students who decorated flower pots, to school districts that collected needed items like socks and pjs; from those who donated yarn, to those who knitted/crocheted red/white/blue blankets for our veterans, to those who made little felt hearts to comfort children in our pediatric programs. Furthermore, we greatly appreciate everyone who supported Hospice through our fundraisers -- from our "Glimmer of Light," to "Swinging on a Star," to "Touched By An Angel," and "Walk for Hospice," which drew more than 1,000 people despite gray skies and early rain. We also thank groups that organized fundraisers to benefit Hospice -- your generosity means so much!
To our amazing, compassionate, and dedicated team -- including doctors, nurses, aides, social workers, therapists, counselors, chaplains, and frontline workers to behind-the-scenes office staff. Thank you for all you do to make a meaningful impact!
Lastly, we must express our profound gratitude to our Community Hospice Foundation Board of Directors. These volunteers contribute their time, energy, and leadership to help guide our mission and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our patients. We simply could not accomplish all that we do without their support! They are truly our Hospice Heroes!
On behalf of everyone at The Community Hospice, we wish you and yours a warm, wonderful holiday season, with health and blessings in the New Year! ❤
