BROOKINGS – The Helpline Center Recently announced that Doris Knutson has been named the June 2020 Volunteer of the Month, an area-wide award program sponsored by the Helpline Center and First Bank & Trust.
Knutson has been a volunteer with AseraCare Hospice for seven years this July.
Knutson visits people who are on hospice care and have six months or less to live. Some of them live in the nursing home while others remain in their home.
She brings extra support to them on their final journey as most people do not enjoy being alone during that time.
While she is there, Knutson will read, go outside, help with an activity, visit or even just be present and hold their hand. Knutson also assists with music therapy at a facility so that multiple residents are able to attend, and she provides help if they need it with the different instruments they use during each session.
In addition to that, Knutson often helps with other activities that pop up, whether it be a special request such as fishing with a patient, or to help lead crafts with the residents. Doris is there with helping hands and support. She visits multiple patients at least twice a month, sometimes more. In addition to that, she assists with music therapy multiple times a month and other opportunities that change from month to month, such as funeral attendance, providing support to a special moment with a patient, or helping with company-sponsored activities in the community.
When Knutson first started with AseraCare, it did not have many patients in the area as it had just expanded, but she stuck it out when most people would not. Although they tried to find projects she could help with, it was not the same as visiting with a patient to provide that support. AseraCare now cares for many patients in the area and Knutson is always there and ready to help. She is often visiting multiple patients to make sure they each receive extra support.
Staff at AseraCare said, “Doris is a pillar in the community. She is a wonderful example of how to be an active part of your community and give to those in need or even just to brighten someone’s day. She volunteers at multiple other places and I’m sure they would agree. We feel lucky to have her as part of our team!”
For information on volunteer opportunities or the Volunteer of the Month program, please contact Allison Schmitt at bkvol@helplinecenter.org or call 211 for more information.
