Hospice of Davidson County Honors Exceptional Impact at Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
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LEXINGTON, N.C. (May 4, 2026) — On Thursday April 30, 2026, Hospice of Davidson County (HODC) hosted its Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of the individuals who serve as the heart of the agency. The event, held during National Volunteer Month, served as a powerful reminder of the vital role community service plays in supporting patients and families throughout their journey of care. The evening was highlighted by the announcement of the prestigious 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, presented to long-time agency volunteer Kaye Blackwelder.
A Year of Unprecedented Growth
The event celebrated a landmark year for HODC Volunteer Services. In 2025, 50 volunteers, including 23 new recruits, dedicated their time and talents to the agency's mission. Together, they contributed a total of 3,821 service hours, representing a 74% increase in hours over the previous year, and providing more than $128,000 in cost savings to the organization.
The impact on patient care is particularly significant. In 2025, volunteers provided 2,599 hours of direct support, marking a 76% increase over the previous year. Through the Hearts for Hospice initiative, volunteers assembled and delivered more than 300 Valentine’s Day care packages to patients at Hospice of Davidson County’s Hinkle Hospice House, the only in-patient hospice care facility in Davidson County, as well as delivering to local skilled nursing facilities, and home care settings. Volunteers also worked closely with the We Honor Veterans program to prepare and deliver gifts to Veteran patients and participate in the Wreaths Across America event.
“Our volunteers do not just give their time; they give their hearts,” said HDOC Volunteer Services Manager Elizabeth Mitchell. “In 2025, our volunteers maintained a service level of 8.29%; well above the 5% Medicaid requirement, ensuring that our patients and their families never feel alone in their journey.”
State Recognition for Kaye Blackwelder
The evening’s highest honor, the North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, was presented to Ms. Kaye Blackwelder. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to their community through exceptional commitment and compassion.
Ms. Blackwelder has been a cornerstone of Hospice of Davidson County since 2012. Over the last 13 years, she has become an indispensable presence, contributing 1,705 hours between 2019 and 2025 alone. Known for her commitment and reliability, Kaye volunteers every Wednesday, managing critical administrative tasks, maintaining volunteer records, and ensuring that bereavement cards are sent to families.
"Ms. Kaye serves as a bridge between where we have been and where we are going," noted Mitchell during the event. "Her quiet dedication ensures that every family we serve feels remembered and supported."
Looking Ahead: Join the Family
As HODC moves through 2026, the agency aims to further decrease the waitlist for patients to be paired with a volunteer and expand volunteer recruitment efforts. Recent satisfaction surveys reflect the strength of the program, with 100% of volunteers agreeing that their time is well-utilized and 95.8% strongly agreeing that the HODC staff is supportive.
One volunteer captured the spirit of the program perfectly: “We really do feel like a part of the HODC community and family.”
Hospice of Davidson County invites community members to experience the "love and joy" of service through a variety of meaningful roles. Opportunities include providing direct patient companionship and respite for caregivers, assisting with administrative tasks and bereavement support, or helping with campus garden maintenance, and special events like the annual golf tournament. Whether you are interested in working behind the scenes or directly with families, there is a place for you in the HODC family.
To learn more about these opportunities or to complete a volunteer interest form, please visit hospiceofdavidson.org/volunteer/.
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About Hospice of Davidson County
Founded in 1985, Hospice of Davidson County is a health care organization that provides compassionate, dignified care and support to individuals and families facing serious illness, grief, and loss. Expert clinical care is provided in private homes, long-term care and skilled-nursing facilities, as well as the Henry Etta & Bruce Hinkle Hospice House, the only inpatient facility in Davidson County. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare Inc., and a 14-year recipient of the nationally recognized Hospice Honors Award, Hospice of Davidson County is committed to the mission of creating “More Meaningful Moments.” Learn more at hospiceofdavidson.org.
About the NC Governor’s Volunteer Service Award
The NC Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, managed by the NC Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service, honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals and groups that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. An individual or group from the public, nonprofit, and private sectors may be nominated for this recognition award by a community member to their county-designated coordinator. There are categories for the type of nominee (individual, group, national service, and director of volunteers).
