Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center staff honored the hospice’s volunteers Wednesday, April 30 with a Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at Luna’s in downtown Gainesville.

Volunteers were recognized based on years of service. As a collective group, the volunteers have provided more 223 years of service.

Service year award pins were given to volunteers in recognition of one, two, four, five, seven, eight and 10 years of hospice service. Bernie Olson of Gainesville was recognized for 14 years of service, and Margaret Ellett, also of Gainesville, was recognized for 21 years of volunteer service.

"I think it’s a privilege to be there and help a patient and their family," Ellett said. "You just get so much from it yourself. It has been a very satisfying experience."

Hospice of NGMC is a non-profit program that provides end-of-life care to patients with terminal illnesses and offers support to the patients’ families.

Many flexible opportunities are available to fit any volunteer’s scheduling needs and skills. In Gainesville, a volunteer training class will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 19, 21 and 23 at the Hospice of NGMC office, 2150 Limestone Parkway. The three-day course is free, but pre-registration is recommended. To register or learn more about volunteer opportunities at Hospice of NGMC, call 770-533-8888 or 1-800-572-3900.