Beverly Medlyn

Sharon Pocian loves meeting new people and has a special place in her heart for elderly people.

“I was close to my grandmother,” she said. “I want everyone’s grandmother to be treated with the same care and love as mine.”

Pocian has volunteered two years for Hospice of the Valley in East Valley communities, including Sun Lakes. She visits patients in their homes or wherever they live and enjoys conversing and lending support to them and their families.

The not-for-profit agency is seeking more East Valley volunteers. An orientation session will be held in June at the agency’s East Clinical Office, 2020 E. Woodside Ct., Gilbert. The classes run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 16, 17, 23 and 24. Advance application is required: hov.org/volunteer-opportunities.

Hospice of the Valley provides end-of-life care, mainly for people at home. The agency also cares for people with serious and chronic illness not ready for hospice and for people at all stages of dementia.

Pocian, a retiree from Wisconsin who lives in Chandler, said there are many types of activities for volunteers. “I do respite care for people nearing end of life,” she said. “But there also are people who need help grocery shopping or would enjoy going out to lunch or a movie. By attending the orientation, people can get an idea of what they can do. Everyone has something to give.”

Opportunities also are available for activities that don’t involve patient care, including administrative duties, working at the White Dove Thrift Shoppe and sewing.

For more information, view hov.org or call 602-636-6336.