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“What else can I do?”

Those phrases are the benchmark of the volunteers who serve Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care (PPHPC). They give their time, energy and talents to help our patients and their families. These individuals understand the hospice philosophy and embrace the importance of quality of life at the end of life.

Our volunteers are trained to meet the needs of patients and families through a variety of ways, including:

• Pet Therapy, where certified pet therapy animals are matched with patients to offer one-on-one interactions;
• Healing Touch Therapy, where trained volunteers off the physical and emotional benefits of human touch which has been shown to decrease anxiety, agitation, pain and joint stiffness;
• Aromatherapy, which provides comfort to patient and their families by using our specifically created blended oils to soothe and relax patients;
• Soothing Sounds Music, where local musicians and singers use their talent to create a joyful, calming musical environment for patients and their loved ones;
• Friends in Faith, where patients who identify with a particular faith tradition or culture may request a volunteer of the same or similar tradition or culture to share experiences;
• Veteran Outreach, which provides support to patients who have served in the military; PPHPC is a Level 5 Participant in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations’ We Honor Veterans Program, the highest attainable designation;
• Vigil Volunteers, who provide comforting presence to patient actively dying at home or in a facility;
• Pampered Pillows and Busy Blankets, where volunteers use their sewing, knitting and crocheting skills to make neck and arm pillows, busy mats, lap blankets, quilts and more.

Volunteers also assist at our Inpatient Unit to provide a concierge service feel to our patients and families. They provide administrative assistance in our main office. And, they help with the organization’s major fundraising events such as Illuminations and Trees of Life, of which the Empty Stocking Fund is a sponsor of. ESF volunteers were pivotal in supporting Trees of Life by assisting  with the set-up and take-down of the event. The success of these events is a testament to the volunteers that willingly sign up to help these events run as smoothly as possible.

A donation to the Empty Stocking Fund supports all of these programs and allows us to provide extra care and support to patients and their family members in a difficult time.

Would you like to volunteer? Please call 719-633-3400, option 4, and find out how your gifts and talents can help our organization continue to serve the Pikes Peak region.

Click HERE to learn more about our partner agencies.

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Real Stories, Real Impact: Mercy’s Gate in Action

One example of this occurred with a family whose review of their disability case was delayed. Because the wife was the full-time caretaker of her disabled husband, this meant her pay was also on hold while their case was reviewed. With limited options for seeking additional financial help, they had fallen behind on their mortgage and utilities. The wife came to Mercy’s Gate feeling anxious about their situation and was afraid of losing their home. We were able to help them get on track with their mortgage and utilities, and they left feeling an enormous burden lifted from their shoulders and having gained a renewed sense of hope for a more stable future.

In another situation, a single dad came in needing help with rent. His young boys have high medical needs requiring regular hospital visits, and one of them needs a support plan with the school. The school needed time to implement the support plan, meaning the boy had to do online school at home until the support plan was in place. Unable to work because he had to care for his sons, the father was deeply concerned about how to pay his rent and was running low on gas for his car. We helped him with rent and provided a gas voucher for his vehicle. He left knowing that he could continue to care for his sons until the school plan was in place and he could return to work.

Together, We Transform Lives

These are only two examples of the more than 10,000 households we have been privileged to help so far in 2024. When our Neighbors come to us for help, they often feel hopeless, alone, and fearful. Our goal is to assist as many of our Neighbors as possible, so they leave our agency with a renewed sense of hope, a greater sense of optimism, and the knowledge that they are not alone.

Your Support Makes a Difference

When you donate to the Empty Stocking Fund, you’re not just making a financial contribution but joining an ongoing effort to support organizations like Mercy’s Gate in helping our community. Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund support all of our direct services to our Neighbors, meaning your donation plays a significant part in keeping your neighbors in El Paso County in their homes, with the lights and heat on, food on their tables, and can also provide for some of their clothing, medical, and transportation expenses. Your donations make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families in need throughout our area, and we couldn’t do it without you.

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The Innovation Award recipient agency will be a part of the campaign for only one year and will receive a flat amount of funds raised at the end of the campaign.

Who can apply?

• Agencies who have been newly formed within the last two years
• Existing agencies who have launched or who plan to launch new and innovative programming in the next 6-12 months

DOWNLOAD INNOVATION AWARD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

Please submit materials requested in the RFP and address any questions to Deb Mahan, Executive Director of Gazette Charities Foundation by Monday, July 10, 2024. Her email is [email protected].

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