Hospice donates five books to Whitman County Library

Friends of Hospice donated five books about grief and loss to Whitman County Library. Hospice representatives Rita Ackerman and Annie Pillers presented the books along with some bookmarks with the Hospice logo to library staffers.

Pillers said November is National Hospice Month, and the group likes to donate books during this month.

The books deal with spirituality and dying.

“We hear that the books are well used,” Pillers said.

She said Hospice volunteers choose the books from the Palouse Grief Coalition and also from national hospice web site listings.

The books include “Understanding Your Grief, Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart,” by Alan D. Wolfelt; “Healing the Adult Child’s Grieving Heart, 100 Practical Ideas After Your Parent Dies,” by Alan D. Wolfelt; “When Your Grandparent Dies, A Child’s Guide to Good,” by Victoria Ryan; “Help Me Say Goodbye, Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies,” by Janis Silverman; “Tear Soup, A Recipe for Healing after Loss,” by Pat Schweibert and Chuck DeKlyen.

Through the local library system, hospice provides books and resources on end-of-life, spirituality, dying, grief and bereavement. A list of these books is found on the web site.

In a long-standing tradition of neighbors helping neighbors on the Palouse, Friends of Hospice is a non-profit organization that has been providing assistance to Whitman County residents since 1994.

Hospice is a comprehensive program of care for terminally ill patients and their loved ones.

Trained volunteers can offer respite care for the family members as well as support to the patient.

Hospice will also conduct the Tree of Lights and Remembrance ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at the library. Names of deceased loved ones who have passed away will be read during the ceremony.