By Alan Van Ormer
Tribune editor

Volunteers become extremely important as the holiday season approaches.
For those living in nursing homes and assisted living centers and who have no place to go for the holidays, a volunteer can provide a ray of sunshine. And for those who can’t get out like they used to, a volunteer can also bring some happiness to what could be an otherwise sad occasion.
“Companionship boosts your mood,” said LeAnne Richeal, the activity director at Terrace Manor. “That is what most of our volunteers do.”
At Orchard Hills, not only the residents, but also the staff gets some joy from the volunteers. “Volunteers bring in that extra special touch,” Administrator Darleene Steenholdt said.
Both facilities have volunteers that regularly come into the buildings to provide different activities for the residents. For example, at Terrace Manor, volunteers are regularly helping with worship, Bible study, providing music and manicures, and helping with Bingo. At Orchard Hills, it is not uncommon to see volunteers help with crafts and games.
There are some volunteers that are there for those involved in a hospice situation.
In this area, Flandreau has a hospice program that is a branch of the Sioux Falls Avera McKennan Hospice program.
Volunteers work with those who are nearing the end of their life and have expectancy of six months or less to live, according to Valerie Luze, who is the manager of Community Services.
Bonnie Hemmer, who lives one mile south of Lone Tree and has a Dell Rapids address, has been a hospice volunteer at one time or another for the past 20 years.
“For me it is a rewarding experience,” she said. “I know I am helping someone at the end of their life. I’m part of their journey toward the end.”
Luze said in the hospice program, volunteers are able to build a closer relationship with those they help. “They get their undivided attention,” she said. “It relieves the family and provides them a chance to regroup in their own life. It is a mental and physical break.”
Throughout the year, Orchard Hills and Terrace Manor have volunteers that come in each week to visit with residents.
Last week at Terrace Manor, JoEllen Klein stopped by to lead the rosary like she does every other Thursday. She also took time to visit with Anne Schmidt.
“It is very rewarding to be able to bring Jesus to the people,” she said. “It is amazing how grateful they are. They are so gracious to me and let me into their lives.”
Schmidt said she enjoys all the volunteers that stop by. “It breaks the monotony and they also bring a lot of news and encouragement.”
Steenholdt agrees that the residents are very welcoming of all visitors. “They are very hospitable whether they know them or not.”
Richeal said that not only do the residents feel good, but it also enhances the volunteer’s life. “It is an all around good feeling for everyone,” she said. “By the time the volunteers leave, the residents can’t believe they took the time out of their day to do something like this.”