Hospital: Marching into Spring

Marching into Spring

When you hear the word “spring,” what do you think of? You might imagine grass growing, birds chipping, flowers blooming and your favorite vegetables growing in the garden. As the weather allows, volunteer to help take patients outside so they, too, may enjoy the sounds and smells of Spring! Many facilities have pathways, flower beds and benches perfect for sharing time in the sunshine!

You can also bring a bit of nature inside medical facilities for both patients and staff to enjoy. There are numerous types of flowers and vegetables that can be planted and grown indoors in flower pots or window boxes such as daffodils, tomatoes and peppers. This is a great project as it gives patients something to tend to and allows them watch the flowers and/or plants grow and thrive. Your Auxiliary and its members are encouraged to:

• Invite your local garden club to help with the project.
• Provide all the materials needed – such as seeds, pots, soil, watering can and fertilizer.
• Demonstrate how to plant and care for the seeds, including when they need to be watered, pinching off dead leaves, or cutting off a section of stem to start another plant.

Another way to bring the outdoors in is by crafting a Spring wreath or other door decoration. There are many beautiful examples of wreaths and clever door décor on the National Organization’s Pinterest page. If you haven’t checked it out for ideas, I encourage you to do so! https://www.pinterest.com/vfwauxiliary/all-about-springeaster/

St. Patrick’s Day is next week and I hope you have something fun planned at your local medical facility. It’s not too late to plan activities that provide fun for everyone! You could still host a “Pot O’ Gold” party and include some or all of the ideas below:

• Play Irish/Celtic music
• Bake (or buy) sugar-free green shamrock cookies.
• Hand out shamrocks with Irish blessings on them.
• Make centerpieces for their dining tables; patients could help you put them together! Click here to see more than 80 St. Patrick’s Day centerpiece ideas.
• Bring supplies to make paint chip/sample bookmarks with patients. Find an example on the VFW Auxiliary Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/428756827004356228/
  • Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt
    • Have patients visit several locations in the facility and have an inexpensive item at each stop.

Easter is five weeks away (it’s April 16 this year) and it’s not too early to start planning egg-cellent activities for our veterans.

I know there are many outstanding volunteers doing extraordinary volunteer work in every Department. The “Outstanding Hospital Volunteer” nomination form is due to me, the National Hospital Ambassador, by Wednesday, March 15! It would be awesome if each Department had a nominee this year. Remember VAVS Representatives and Deputies can be submitted for this recognition!

Thanks for all you do and I hope you have a sweet Spring!