NORWICH – It wouldn’t be spring in Chenango County without Hospice’s Annual Plant Sale. For nearly 20 years the non-profit health care agency has sold plants around Memorial Day to raise funds which help pay for patient care costs,” says Donna Wood-Craig, the agency’s Development and Community Relations Coordinator. “This sale has grown by leaps and bounds, primarily because we expanded our customer base holding internal sales in nearly 60 schools and companies; and this year we’re adding a chicken barbecue.
“Years ago we only sold geraniums,” said Wood-Craig. “However, now we offer so much more; pots of geraniums, gerber daisies, even flats of impatiens. We have hanging ivy geranium baskets, wave petunias, New Guinea impatiens, and our most popular mixed flower basket.” Hospice’s plant sale is truly a countywide one with pickup points in Nowich, at Weiler Park; and at local NBT branch locations in Afton, Bainbridge, New Berlin, Oxford, and Sherburne. “Our prices are comparable to the best flower shops, with the added satisfaction that every dollar you spend helps a worthy agency raise much-needed funds,” empasized Wood-Craig. Every year Hospice needs to raise about $150,000 to fill the financial gap between the actual cost of patient care and what private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid reimburse the agency.
“This year we’ve decided to add a new twist with a chicken barbecue on the same day in the same location. We’re grateful that Tim Thompson, a great cook and friend to Hospice agreed to donate his time and talents,” said Wood-Craig. “He will cook 400 chicken halves, and we hope to sell every last bird with this pre-order, pre-pay sale. Anyone who wants to support the sale simply needs to drop us a line stating how many chicken halves they want and mail their payment to 21 Hayes Street in Norwich. Half a chicken will set you back $5.50, or get two halves for $10.” Hospice volunteers will deliver to individuals, schools, or companies in Norwich with orders of twenty dollars or more. “Our thinking was that everyone has to eat on May 14th, so why not let Hospice feed them.” Plant orders should be in by April 18 and chicken orders should arrive by May 2.
For those who wish to select their own plants, Hospice will host a public sale in East Side Park in downtown Norwich the following Wednesday, May 21 between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. “We encourage early birds to come down early for the best selection, and as always invite downtown workers to visit us on their lunch break,” said Wood-Craig.
Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County is a health care agency that cares for seriously ill people with family assistance. Most patients are able to stay in the comfort of their home and receive visits from Registered Nurses, LPN, Social Workers, Bereavement Counselors, and fully trained Volunteers. Hospice serves those with an expected life span of six months when focus shifts away from cure and toward comfort care. In contrast, Palliative Care patients often are still receiving life-extending treatment. “We are proud to offer a seamless transition from our Palliative Care program right into Hospice when the time is appropriate,” says Wood-Craig. Referrals are always welcome from family, friends, clergy, health care providers or patients themselves.
If you plan to spruce up your yard or porch with flowers this spring, or don’t want to cook dinner on May 14, and didn’t receive an order form for either plants or chicken, call the Hospice office Monday through Friday at 334-3556. They look forward to your business.