Valley Hospice Begins Tree of Lights Campaign

Published by admin on Tue, 11/23/2021 - 8:20pm

Valley Hospice Begins

Tree of Lights Campaign

Volunteers and staff of Milbank Area Valley Hospice Avera@Home have begun the annual Tree of Lights fundraising campaign to help continue the work the organization performs locally. Area residents will receive the donation form as inserts in this week’s Grant County Review and next week’s Valley Shopper. The forms are also available at Milbank Area Hospital Avera.

The Tree of Lights campaign is the only method of fundraising the organization employs. Hospice focuses on the quality of life, not the quantity of life, according to those involved. The funds raised help not only the patients but also the family members.

Hospice is a team of professionals – doctors, nurses, social workers, home health aides – and volunteers who work together to provide medical, spiritual and emotional support to the terminally ill, their families and caregivers. The service is available 24/7 to people with terminal illnesses who have chosen not to seek treatment or not to continue treatment.

Milbank Area Valley Hospice Avera@Home has been providing care to families in a 35-mile radius from Milbank, including Minnesota, for several years. Hospice care is primarily given in the home but can be provided in a nursing home.

The organization provides equipment, such as hospital beds for in-home use, wheelchairs, medications and other supplies that may be needed. But hospice workers go the extra mile and provide emotional support for the patients and caregivers as well.

This year’s Tree of Lights campaign will provide each donor with a porcelain angel ornament. The ornaments can be personalized if given in memory of or in honor of an individual. Ornaments will be mailed, delivered, or can be picked up at the hospital after January 2, 2022.

Organizers chose an angel for this year’s ornament in honor of the late Patti Aesoph. Aesoph worked as a nurse for many years and was involved in the local hospice program both before and after her retirement. “We wanted to honor Patti for her dedication to the community and to acknowledge her volunteering efforts with hospice,” commented Linsey Allen, spokesman for the local group.

In past years, the organization hosted a special ceremony at the conclusion of the campaign. However, health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them to forego that ceremony this year.

The local hospice staff and board of directors wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and ask each resident to consider a contribution to the organization.

Any questions concerning hospice or the Tree of Lights campaign should be directed to Linsey Allen at the Milbank hospital at 432-3260.