NORWICH – Do you want to put a couple of hours a week to good use; why not consider taking the Hospice Volunteer Training? It is an in-depth twenty four hour course on death and dying focusing on the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of terminal illness. Often people enter the class unsure whether they are suited for this type of volunteerism, however Kendall Drexler the agency’s Volunteer Coordinator says that is alright. “This training course will give you insight into yourself and answer any questions you may have about your ability to do the job. People often surprise themselves after they get started and become inspired to help our patients and their families.”

Volunteer training will be held at the Hospice of Chenango County office at 21 Hayes Street in Norwich each Monday and Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., from April 30 to May 23. Hospice encourages men to sign up for training because half their patients are men who are often more comfortable with a same sex volunteer. “Currently we have six wonderful men who give their time and companionship to our patients,” says Drexler. “We would love to double that number. There is also a particular need for volunteers in Sherburne, Earlville, Plymouth and New Berlin, although residents of any town in Chenango County are encouraged to sign up.”