OKEECHOBEE — Hospice of Okeechobee has recently been the recipient of the generosity of multiple women in the community. These women, approximately 20 at this time, have come together to pool their giving so their philanthropy can have more impact on the community.
The group, called Hospice Women of Giving, decide where the money they donate will be used. In 2023, they were able to purchase new recliners for each room at the Hamrick Hospice House, said director of philanthropy Maureen Parker.
Marie Culbreth, one of the members of the Hospice Women of Giving, explained the group will be paying for local children to attend Camp Braveheart this year. The camp is for children age 5 through high school who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The camp is a two-night experience designed to help the children process and express their feelings of loss with others.
Not only do the children have a lot of fun, but they also have access to trained counselors who are able to facilitate discussions and provide support. The children will participate in swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, arts and crafts and much more.
The camp is free to any child, paid for by sponsors and donors. This year, the Hospice Women of Giving are covering expenses for the children of Okeechobee who would benefit from the service. The family does not have to be affiliated with Hospice in any way.
This year, the camp takes place Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7 at the Circle F. Dude Ranch in Lake Wales.
The children will meet at Okeechobee County Fire Rescue, where firefighters will help them load their belongings onto a charter bus.
Hospice of Okeechobee has reached out to teachers in the local schools as well as to some of the non-profits in Okeechobee to find children who would benefit from attending camp.
If your child has experienced the loss of a loved one and would enjoy camp, contact Marielyn Smith by emailing smithm7@chaptershealth.org or by calling 772-530-0213 or by visiting chaptershealth.org/camp-brave-heart.
If you are interested in joining the Hospice Women of Giving, contact Maureen Parker at parkerm2@chaptershealth.org or visit https://www.chaptershealth.org/for-volunteers-donors/personal-giving/hospice-of-okeechobee-women-of-giving/
