Wal-Mart gift lets Circle of Life add to services
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale will be expanding its services thanks to a $ 20, 000 donation made by Wal-Mart on Tuesday. “ Most people don’t know a lot about hospice, ” said Meredith Adams, Circle of Life development coordinator. “ We’re not just about death. We’re here for people when there is no cure. Hospice helps make your last days as relaxing as possible. ” Tuesday’s check donation was made through the Wal-Mart community grant program to further children’s bereavement groups and education about grief support and hospice services. The money will also be used to increase hospice services offered by Circle of Life.
“ We’ll use the funding to expand our family services by having more social workers and chaplains, ” Adams said. “ We’ll also be expanding our educational outreach. ” The need for hospice services is expected to double over the next 12 years, Adams said. In reference to recent growth prediction, Circle of Life will begin expanding its facility in September to include eight additional beds, creating a total of 16. A groundbreaking ceremony has been set for Sept. 17.
Adams said Wal-Mart’s decision to donate to Circle of Life was prompted by the recommendation of Wal-Mart employee Lisa McCoy.
“ I had a family friend here who received exceptional care, ” McCoy said. “ It’s not about looking at charts and graphs, like when you’re at a hospital. It’s about giving people the dignity they need to leave this earth. ”
McCoy’s said her friend, Elmer Watson, died from lung cancer and emphysema in August 2007.
His wife, Clydus, began to cry as she and McCoy recalled Elmer’s last days.
“ After the doctors told him he was terminal, Elmer made the decision himself to go to hospice, ” Clydus Watson said. “ Everyone here was very caring and compassionate. They seem to actually feel your pain. ”
Circle of Life is a nonprofit organization that serves Washington, Benton, Carroll and Madison counties. Its mission is to provide multifaceted care to patients, family members and the community through a wide range of services.
For more information about Circle of Life or the check presentation, please contact Mary McKinney at 750-6632. For more information about Circle of Life services, visit www. nwacircleoflife. com.
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