Support and Care When It’s Needed Most
The staff at St. Elizabeth’s Hospice program has one goal: to provide our patients and their families with the highest level of physical, emotional and spiritual care during life’s final journey. At hospice, we know this is one of the most important 
times any family ever experiences, and we are committed to making it as comfortable and meaningful as possible.
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Doves Fly from Hospice Center
Dove ornaments packaged and delivered for hospice families have been a long-standing Christmas tradition at St. Elizabeth Hospice. This year, 22 students from Notre Dame Academy (NDA) came to the Hospice Center to help wrap, label and box more than 1,100 dove ornaments. The ornaments are then distributed to hospice families who have lost a loved one during the past year. 2011 represents the 20th year of this program.
According to Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Holloran, the sentiment has been extremely popular with families. “Throughout the year, we receive cards and positive comments from families showing their gratitude and appreciation long after the doves have been delivered,” says Debbie.
In addition to NDA students, staff members from Thomas More College were on hand to help. Volunteers and staff deliver between 200 and 300 doves while the remaining ornaments are mailed.
Former volunteer coordinator Pat Cahill launched the program 20 years ago. Now, she volunteers her time to spearhead this project. She maintains all the computerized records that enable the volunteers to mail or deliver the doves. This year, her granddaughter was one of the students.
“We used carnations during the first year, but they barely made it through Christmas Eve,” says Pat. “Switching to a dove ornament just seemed like a natural. I never envisioned that they would be such a treasured item by families.”
Julie Schuler, who has been a hospice volunteer for 22 years, is also instrumental in this project. Each year, she becomes the “official” liaison between hospice and NDA. “The doves would not fly out of here without these two ladies,” says Debbie. “They also come to box and wrap the doves along with the students.”