Arkansas Hospice Elf Squad to brighten holidays for patients

By arhospice on November 12th, 2024

Media Contact: David Edwards
Phone: 501-748-3303
Email: dedwards@arkansashospice.org

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARK – For a fourth year, Arkansas Hospice is brightening the holidays for patients facing life-limiting illnesses through its Elf Squad.

“Last year, the Elf Squad put together more than 1,100 gift bags for Arkansas Hospice patients, and we hope to do even more this year,” said Harriet Hawkins, Arkansas Hospice’s director of volunteers. “Our patients come from all walks of life. They love getting gifts like socks, slippers, blankets, and large-print puzzle books. These items might seem small, but they can bring a great deal of comfort and joy to Arkansans facing what will most likely be their last holiday season.”

There are two ways to join the Arkansas Hospice Elf Squad:

SHOP FOR GIFTS: The public is invited to take ornaments from Elf Squad trees at participating merchants and locations throughout Arkansas Hospice’s 44-county service area. The back of each ornament has a small list of potential gifts. Once items have been purchased, ornaments should be taped to unwrapped gifts and returned to the same location. Gifts will be collected through Dec. 14, and gift bags are appreciated.
GIVE ONLINE: Support Arkansas Hospice programs like the Elf Squad that benefit our fellow Arkansans by giving online.

All Elf Squad tree locations and details on how to give online can be found at arkansashospice.org/elfsquad.

“The Elf Squad is truly a labor of love, “Hawkins said. “Not only does it warm the hearts of our patients and families, but ours as well. Whether you prefer to buy gifts or to donate online, your generosity is truly appreciated.”

In addition to gifts, this year’s Elf Squad gift bags will also contain holiday cards containing messages of love and encouragement from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College School of Science, Math, and Allied Health.

As the state’s largest non-profit provider of hospice services, Arkansas Hospice cares for patients and their families in more than 40 counties. The Elf Squad is part of the Arkansas Hospice Volunteer program in conjunction with the Arkansas Hospice Foundation, which increases awareness and raises funds for the mission of Arkansas Hospice.

To learn more about the Arkansas Hospice Elf Squad, the nonprofit organization’s services, and its volunteer and career opportunities, please visit https://arkansashospice.org.

About Arkansas Hospice

Caring since 1992, Arkansas Hospice’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for those facing serious illness and loss by surrounding them with love and embracing them with the best in physical, emotional, and spiritual care. The hospice care provider is the recipient of numerous local, state, and national awards, as well as the only hospice in Arkansas to be certified by the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs for nonprofit service to Arkansas’ veteran population. For more information, visit https://arkansashospice.org.