Hospice of Chesapeake recognizes Volunteer Appreciation Week, and over 200 volunteers with letter

"There's a lot," said Elyzabeth Marcussen, communications specialist with the organization. "For everything we do, there's a volunteer attached to it."

According to its website Hospice of the Chesapeake's mission is to "provide physical, psycho-social and spiritual support services to individuals living with and affected by advanced illness. These services are provided wherever the patient calls home. Hospice of the Chesapeake is committed to providing the best possible care for all regardless of their inability to pay."

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available through the hospice, including contacting those who are ill, offering respite to caregivers, offering bereavement help and even becoming involved in children's programs. 

Marcussen said the organization is trying to give its staff and volunteers a break from teleconferencing as it recognizes their contributions this week.

She said many folk at the organization are "Zoomed-out", referring to the video-call software.

Instead executives and team members are recording their own messages of thanks for volunteers. And they may even get to see their partners in the hospice mission via drive-by gift giving.

"We're going to hand people gifts this year."

Probably like many she works with though, Marcussen is looking forward to a day when operations turn back toward more normalcy as the pandemic recedes.

"Normally we have a luncheon," she said. "We can't wait to get back to that."