Instead of mailing Christmas cards to friends and relatives, area residents may choose to donate the money they would have spent on cards and postage to “Caring at Christmas,” an annual program to raise money for charity. This is the 21st year for Caring at Christmas and Wilson Hospice has once again been chosen to receive the donations.
Recently, Wilson Hospice chaplain, Rev. Phil Chilcote, Wilson Foundation executive director, Bonnie Faulkner, and Wilson Hospice aide, Misty White, visited with Hospice patient, Paul Billups of Sidney. Billups became a Hospice patient as a result of Parkinson’s disease. A few months ago when the symptoms of the disease became more pronounced and too difficult to manage, Georgia, Paul’s wife, reached out to Wilson Hospice.
“I am very happy to have Misty come into our home and assist with Paul’s care,” said Georgia. “She plays such a critical role in helping with communication difficulties. Misty has been such a help to not only Paul, but to me as well.”
“After spending time with Paul and his family and knowing that the Caring at Christmas program contributes directly to the care provided to this extraordinary man and his family, is really what the program is all about,” said Faulkner. “As a result of the Caring at Christmas program, Wilson Hospice has been able to help so many wonderful patients over the years and we can’t thank the community enough for their continual support.”
Anyone who would like to donate to Caring at Christmas may do so by mailing their donation to: Wilson Hospice, Attn: Cashier, 915 W. Michigan St., Sidney, OH, 45365. Donations may also be made at any Chase Bank branch in Sidney. Please make all checks payable to Wilson Hospice for tax purposes.
Shortly before Christmas, a “Christmas Greeting,” listing the names of all donors to this fund, will appear in the Sidney Daily News. In order to be included in this year’s greeting your donation must be received by December 9.
Everyone is invited to join this circle of caring. For more information about donating to Wilson Memorial Hospital, call the Wilson Foundation at 498-5575. For information about Wilson Hospice, call 498-9335 or visit wilsonhospital.com.
