Bringing Hope to Families During the Holidays

By:  Jennifer Sapp, KCH Volunteer Coordinator

The holiday season is often filled with the laughter of family gatherings, the sparkle of lights, and the joy of giving. 

For families coping with serious illness or the loss of someone they love, this time of year can bring sadness, a reminder of what’s changed or who is missing. At Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care (KCH), we understand the holidays can be both beautiful and bittersweet. That’s why our team works to ensure no one feels forgotten; we offer comfort, compassion, and care when it’s needed most. 

Our patients at KCH and their families are always at the heart of what we do. Every day, our teams and volunteers walk alongside people who are navigating some of life’s hardest moments, bringing relief from pain and sharing emotional support and practical help to ease their daily burdens. Beyond medical care, we also assist with the essentials that help with the quality of life, from personal care items and warm clothing to nourishing food. 

How You Can Help Spread the Joy of the Season

During the holidays, two special programs help us extend that care even further – the Holiday Gifts program and Holiday Hugs. These initiatives invite our community to share in the spirit of the season, wrapping each patient and family in kindness and connection.

Members of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri spread joy by adopting a family during our 2024 Holiday Gifts Program.

• The Holiday Gifts Program brightens the season for patients and families receiving hospice care or grief support. Generous donors fulfill the wish list of a family and shop for their items – like clothing, toys, personal care items, food and more. Once the wrapped gifts are ready, our volunteers deliver them, spreading joy and reminding families they’re not alone.
• Our Holiday Hugs Program focuses on individuals who live alone or in long-term care settings. Though these patients may not ask for much, the simple gesture can mean so much. Volunteers fill cheerful bags with cozy socks, word puzzles, candies, personal items, and tissues. These small comfort items send the message of care. 

Help us spread the joy of the season through a financial contribution (via this link) or if you’d like to help with donations for Holiday Hugs, they may be dropped at NorthCare Hospice House, Kansas City Hospice House™, or Heart & Soul during regular business hours, now through November 27th.

To learn more about volunteering or our programs, please contact Jennifer Sapp or call 816.541.8723. You can also donate anytime to support Kansas City Hospice at  KCHospice.org/Holidays