Hospice of Marion County Volunteers - The Heart of Hospice

Hospice of Marion County Volunteers - The Heart of Hospice Celebrating the Volunteers of Empath Hospice of Marion County.

Symphony of Service was the theme for our Annual Awards, held at the Ocala Hilton. This event brought out some special s...
04/28/2026

Symphony of Service was the theme for our Annual Awards, held at the Ocala Hilton. This event brought out some special stars, and three of them received extra recognition. Sharon Rinschler received recognition for the most hours and years of service, 11,000 hours and 30+ years. Wow! Kathy Krauze – Rookie of the Year, and Diane Schoreder – Volunteer of the Year. Both have given in so many ways, and we are grateful. Our presenters were Cris Pitch, Regional Thrift Store Manager, and John Kish, Director of Clinical Services. Our guest speaker was Matthew R. Cretul, Ph.D., Marion County Commissioners – Legislative Manager, who gave a moving presentation on service. The attendees were delightful, and the food was delicious. It was truly a Symphony of Service from those serving our patients and families. Thank you, volunteers, for all that you do.

Here is a great opportunity to "Rock on with Kindness". Join us as we paint rocks to spread cheer about our facilities....
04/16/2026

Here is a great opportunity to "Rock on with Kindness". Join us as we paint rocks to spread cheer about our facilities. All supplies are provided; we just need our Rock Star Community and Volunteers to help us. Bring your friends and family and have some fun. Light refreshments served. 352-873-7441.

Our recent event honoring our Vietnam Veterans, featuring the MarMarion County Memorial Honor Guard, Inc.as truly inspir...
04/06/2026

Our recent event honoring our Vietnam Veterans, featuring the MarMarion County Memorial Honor Guard, Inc.as truly inspiring. It's a reminder of the profound sacrifices made by those who served our country. Seeing community members come together to recognize and celebrate these veterans was heartwarming.

The participation of the Honor Guard, composed of many Vietnam Veterans themselves, added a deeply meaningful touch to the occasion. Their dedication to honoring fallen comrades and serving our community exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that makes our community strong.

We were fortunate to have a wonderful volunteer team, including Lynn, Christina, Arisa, and Tim, who sang the National Anthem. Their commitment and enthusiasm played a significant role in making the event special.

This gathering was not just about honoring the past but also about fostering a sense of unity and gratitude within our community. It serves as a reminder to appreciate and recognize the contributions of our veterans and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and has served. Your presence and efforts truly made a difference.

We are so grateful to Vicky, Elain, Darryl, and Roz of the Stone Creek Community Stitchers who donated several large qui...
04/06/2026

We are so grateful to Vicky, Elain, Darryl, and Roz of the Stone Creek Community Stitchers who donated several large quilts for our patient rooms. Here at Empath Hospice of Marion County, every patient room has a homemade quilt thanks to the kind people and sewing groups in our community. The blankets represent home and a kind, caring touch. Thank you, Stone Creek, Community Stitchers. Your donations, time, and compassion are greatly appreciated. Also pictured is Lynn, our liaison for community crafters and sewers. If you would like to join either our group or support our mission with crafts, sewing, or other opportunities, please get in touch with Lynn at 352-873-7441.

Robin Mundell with the Marion Oaks Sewing group donated some beautiful lap quilts for our patients. The one displayed s...
04/06/2026

Robin Mundell with the Marion Oaks Sewing group donated some beautiful lap quilts for our patients. The one displayed showcases Mary Engelbreit's work; it is so thoughtful and beautiful. We are truly blessed by the wonderful individuals, craftspeople, and sewing groups who support our patient care. Thank you one and all. You are much appreciated.

Dear Friends and Veteran Supporters,You are warmly invited to join Empath Hospice of Marion County in honoring our Vietn...
03/12/2026

Dear Friends and Veteran Supporters,

You are warmly invited to join Empath Hospice of Marion County in honoring our Vietnam Veterans for Vietnam Veterans Day. We recognize and appreciate their service and sacrifice, especially as many did not feel welcomed upon their return home. This event provides us with the opportunity to express our gratitude, respect, and recognition for their courage and the hardships they endured.

Please RSVP at 352-873-7441, and feel free to invite your family and friends to join us in honoring our Vietnam Veterans. We look forward to coming together to celebrate our heroes.

RSVP 352-873-7441

03/05/2026

Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of others and our communities. In this interview by Christina Hart, a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator, and Tim Lafferty, a compassionate volunteer with Empath Hospice of Marion County, Tim shares his volunteer commitment to our patients, families, Veterans, and outreach events. Tim’s commitment shows how one person's service can make a difference in so many areas.

There are many ways to give back, and if you feel inspired to support our mission, we welcome you! Call 352-873-7441 to learn more about becoming a volunteer and start making a difference today!

It is a Community Sew-A-thon on March 10 from 10am-2pm at the Elliott Center. We will cut out and sew lap quilts and cud...
03/02/2026

It is a Community Sew-A-thon on March 10 from 10am-2pm at the Elliott Center. We will cut out and sew lap quilts and cuddle buddies (stuffed animals) for our patients' Mother's & Father's Day.
We will also be making afghans from knit and crochet squares, as well as little butterflies and flowers. Don't do any of these things? We can use your help with ironing and cutting out patterns.
What we'll provide:
• Limited sewing tools - we have some mats, rotary cutters, rulers, iron/board, etc. If you have your own tools, we highly recommend bringing them. Knitters and crocheters should bring their own needles/hooks.
• Fabric
• Yarn
• Stuffing
• Plenty of outlets for sewing machines
• Patterns for knitted and crochet squares, butterflies, & flowers
• Yummy treats
• Plenty of camaraderie
We are also looking for donations of:
• cotton/quilting fabric and yarn (preferably acrylic worsted weight to avoid allergies and for easy washing).
• Baked goods - cookies, brownies, etc.
Please help spread the word. You do not need to be a volunteer to join us for this event. Questions or to RSVP 352-873-7441

Last week, Dawn Lomelo from Ponies for Patriots and Pint Size Therapy fulfilled a patient's wish at Cates House with a s...
03/02/2026

Last week, Dawn Lomelo from Ponies for Patriots and Pint Size Therapy fulfilled a patient's wish at Cates House with a special visit. Dawn & Fancy support Veterans and visit many local Assisted Living Facilities, and still found time for a special request. The room was filled with family as Fancy shared her happy presence. This happiness spread to family members, staff, and everyone who met Dawn and her pony, Fancy. We cannot thank you enough for taking the time to make this final wish come true. You and Fancy made a difference!

🌟 Join Us for the Linens and Love Campaign! 🌟Empath Hospice of Marion County is excited to announce that from **March 1 ...
02/23/2026

🌟 Join Us for the Linens and Love Campaign! 🌟

Empath Hospice of Marion County is excited to announce that from **March 1 to March 31**, we will be participating in the Linens and Love campaign in partnership with Dignity Memorial. This initiative aims to bring comfort and support to those we care for.

We are collecting **XL Twin sheets** and other essential linens for our home care patients. Your generosity can truly make a difference and provide much-needed comfort.

How You Can Help: Scan the QR code to visit our Amazon Gift Registry or go to hospiceofmarion.org/linens-and-love/.

You can also drop off items at our Admin Building, Thrift Stores, or any of the three Dignity Memorial locations. The addresses are listed on our website. As a former hospice nurse, I know firsthand the difference that soft linens can make. Join us in providing comfort and care.

Today was absolutely amazing. Today marked 1500 recognitions of a caring and compassionate group of coworkers. The staf...
02/12/2026

Today was absolutely amazing. Today marked 1500 recognitions of a caring and compassionate group of coworkers. The staff at Cates House were celebrated by leadership for their service. Many were nominated by nurse Jimmy Dionne. He went above and beyond an inspiration for us all. Clinical Manager Penny graciously distributed the medals along with words of praise. Leadership of HMC John Kish and Lisa McCoy cheered along with Mary Milne and Tarrah Lowry leadership from Empath. Today was a special gathering that touched us all.

The Veterans Sweetheart Cafe was tasty sweet. Veterans and colleagues came together and enjoyed a great breakfast provid...
02/12/2026

The Veterans Sweetheart Cafe was tasty sweet. Veterans and colleagues came together and enjoyed a great breakfast provided by our wonderful volunteers. Plus chocolate, coffee, and great conversation. We are so honored to serve our Veterans.

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Ocala, FL
34474

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+13528737441

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