For over two decades, Thanksgiving has marked the beginning of a heartfelt holiday tradition at the William J. Riley Memorial Residence, Hospice of the Calumet Area's inpatient hospice home. The tradition begins with our beloved CNA Laura Arcella coordinating a special meal for patients and their families, followed by a dedicated group of volunteers transforming the home into a winter wonderland the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
“This is definitely one of my favorite ways to start the holidays,” said Arcella. “Every year, we worry about having enough resources, but the generosity of our partners and volunteers is always so inspiring. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and it’s a beautiful reminder of what the season is about.”
A group of volunteers led by former Purdue engineering students Chad Hunter, Scott Schaller, and Oscar Munoz has been decorating the home for 25 years. What started as a gesture of giving back has become a cherished annual event for the group.
“To be quite honest, this began as a one-time way of giving back between friends,” said Hunter. “But we were so humbled by the mission of Hospice of the Calumet Area and the dedication of its staff and volunteers that we knew we had to keep coming back. It touches us every year.”
The volunteer team has grown over the years, including students and parents from local institutions such as St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Bishop Noll Institute, and Indiana University Northwest Soccer players. Together, they decorate Christmas trees in patients’ rooms, adorn the meeting and dining areas, and install wreaths and lights throughout the home’s interior and exterior.
The power of compassion and kindness is mind-blowing. When I started here seven years ago, our Schererville Shock baseball players and parents sang Christmas carols to patients, and it was life changing. My own children love volunteering and understand the importance of cherishing life because of these experiences. That is truly special.
Our Volunteer Coordinator Cynthia Camp recognizes the critical role of volunteers in bringing the organization’s mission to life.
“We are grateful and very lucky to have their generosity, compassion, and dedication,” said Camp. “We have over 400 active volunteers, and their commitment makes our Cherishing Life philosophy so unique and impactful.”
This annual tradition of giving back not only brightens the lives of hospice patients and their families but also strengthens the bond between the organization and the community it serves, reminding all the true spirit of the holiday season.
Cynthia feels that each volunteer that walks through the organization’s doors has a special place in their heart for giving back.
“We are grateful and very lucky to have their generosity, compassion and dedication to serving others,” said Camp. “We have over 400 active volunteers and their commitment is really what makes our Cherishing Life philosophy so unique.”
Damian Rico is the Marketing and Community Relations Director for Hospice of the Calumet Area. The opinions are the writer's.
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