Imagine being the gentle presence that brightens someone’s day, the comforting voice that brings reassurance when it’s needed most. At Delaware Hospice, volunteering isn’t just an activity – it’s a heartfelt commitment that transforms lives. When you volunteer, whether by offering companionship, sharing a favorite story during quiet reading sessions, or assisting with everyday tasks, you become an essential part of our care team, providing love and support that goes beyond words. Your time and talents also fuel vital behind-the-scenes roles in administrative support and community outreach, ensuring that every patient and family experiences the kindness and compassion they deserve.
Delaware Hospice offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and their families. Volunteers can engage in direct patient support, such as providing companionship, reading or assisting with daily activities. Additionally, there are roles in administrative support, community outreach, and participation in special events. These opportunities allow volunteers to contribute their time and skills in various capacities, enhancing the quality of care and support provided by Delaware Hospice. Join us, and discover the profound difference you can make.
When you volunteer with Delaware Hospice, you expand our capacity to provide comfort and care to the people in our community. We’ll supply the training you need, as well as ongoing support and education, so you know the best way to help others. If you can see yourself in any of the following descriptions, Delaware Hospice may have a volunteer opportunity that’s right for you.
Companion
There’s something powerful about simply being there. As a Companion volunteer, I offer more than just my time – I offer presence, peace and kindness. Whether I’m running a small errand, sitting in quiet conversation, or giving a weary caregiver a much-needed break, I know that my presence can bring calm to someone’s storm. In these moments of vulnerability and connection, I’m reminded of how much the little things can truly matter.
Vigil
In a person’s final hours, even silence speaks volumes. As a Vigil volunteer, I offer the gift of presence – a steady hand, a calming voice, or simply a heart that bears witness. These sacred moments are tender and profound, and I consider it a privilege to be there. Whether holding a hand or offering silent support from the background, I help ensure that no one has to take their final steps alone.
Kids’ Grief Support
Grieving children often carry emotions too big for words. That’s why I volunteer to be part of a space where they can feel safe, seen and supported. Through crafts, games and thoughtful activities, I help children explore their feelings and begin to find healing. Every shared smile, every tear, every tiny breakthrough is an opportunity to nurture resilience and let these young hearts know they’re not alone.
Office Administration
Behind every chart and checklist is a story, a family, a journey, a moment that matters. As a volunteer in Office Administration, I take pride in the details that keep Delaware Hospice running smoothly. Filing, data entry and organizing may seem simple, but they’re my way of supporting the mission with care and precision. It’s fulfilling to know that even behind the scenes, my work helps bring compassion to life.
Community Education
I believe that understanding can be a form of comfort. As a Community Education volunteer, I share the message of hospice with empathy and passion. Whether I’m speaking to a group or writing an article, I help others see that end-of-life care isn’t about giving up – it’s about showing up with dignity and love. It’s a mission I believe in deeply, and I’m honored to give it voice.
The Delaware Hospice Center
There’s a certain warmth I try to bring into every room I enter. At the Delaware Hospice Center, I welcome visitors with a smile, share stories over coffee, and help create moments of comfort – whether through conversation, a card game, or the smell of cookies baking in the kitchen. Here, I get to help turn a care center into a place that feels a little more like home.
Fundraising and Special Events
Bringing people together for a cause close to the heart – that’s what fuels me. As a Fundraising and Special Events volunteer, I help create joyful moments that connect our community to the mission of Delaware Hospice. Whether I’m setting up for the Festival of Trees or inviting others to give back, I know that each dollar raised helps bring peace, comfort and dignity to someone’s final journey. That makes every detail worth it.
Bereavement
Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. That’s why I offer gentle support through calls, notes and quiet visits – meeting people exactly where they are in their healing. As a Bereavement volunteer, I don’t try to fix the pain. Instead, I walk alongside it, creating space for remembrance, reflection and the slow rebuilding of hope. Every connection is a small light in someone’s darkness, and I’m honored to be part of that.
Vet to Vet
As a veteran, I understand the unspoken bond that exists between those who have served. Through the Vet to Vet program, I offer fellow veterans not only a shared language, but a shared heart. Whether we talk, reflect or sit in meaningful silence, I offer respect and understanding without judgment. To walk with a fellow vet in their final chapter is a profound honor and one I approach with humility and pride.
Junior Volunteer Program
I’m 16 to 18 years old and still learning, but I’m eager to help in any way I can. As a Junior Volunteer, I get to do meaningful work that brings comfort and kindness to others. Whether I’m greeting visitors, helping with events, or supporting staff behind the scenes, I’m gaining more than just service hours — I’m gaining a deeper appreciation for compassion, community and the difference one person can make.
Creating Memory Bears and Heart Pillows
As a Memory Bear volunteer, I get to do something truly meaningful with my time. Using a loved one’s clothing, I carefully sew bears that bring comfort to grieving families. Every stitch feels like a small act of healing – turning fabric once worn into something families can hold close when they need it most. It’s deeply personal and incredibly rewarding to know that something I’ve made with my hands can help someone feel connected to the person they’ve lost.
