The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about a local volunteer program that provides veterans in hospice, support and honor, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Rachael Springate heads up the “Veteran-to-Veteran” Care Program thru Quad County Hospice in Pana.  The program has over 30 volunteers in 4 counties, including Christian, to provide hospice care to veterans.  Springate said the goal of the program is that no veteran will die alone.

As part of the program, Springate and her volunteers provide an appreciation ceremony for the veteran, including pinning, a custom blanket featuring their branch of the military, and a pillow.  Patriotic music is also played at the ceremony.

Volunteers Joe Marley and Earl Baker joined Springate as presenters at the Kiwanis Club meeting.  Marley said the ceremonies he's been involved in, were very touching.  Baker said he gets attached to the people being honored and later pass.

Springate talked about the work her volunteers do.

To volunteer for the “Veteran-to-Veteran” Care Program, contact Springate at Quad County Hospice in Pana.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.  Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.