Holidays are a time for families to come together and create lasting memories—and Easter is no exception. When a loved one is receiving hospice care, planning a family gathering might slip your mind. But the Spartanburg Regional Hospice and Spartanburg Regional Foundation are there to take the reins.

For more than 20 years, the two have partnered to provide comfort and support to families during the Easter holiday.

“The last months and weeks of an illness can be so challenging and stressful for our patients and families, and if we can make their lives a little easier, we want to do it,” said Kim Ross, director of Regional Hospice and Palliative Care. “For many of our families, this is the only way they will experience a special family meal this Easter.”

Spartanburg Regional Foundation supports the cost of Easter meals prepared by Wade's Restaurant for families receiving care from Spartanburg Regional Hospice. The program is one of many ways Spartanburg Regional Foundation and Spartanburg Regional Hospice – both part of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System – collaborate to support patients and families.

Early on Saturday, April 15, volunteers will load up their vehicles with meals from Wade's Restaurant. One-by-one, volunteers will hand deliver the meals to families who have a loved one receiving care from Spartanburg Regional Hospice.

“When a loved one is receiving hospital care, financial issues and the emotional strain brought on by an illness make it complicated to get family together,” said Kristy Caradori, executive director of the Spartanburg Regional Foundation. “Yet it's important to create those family memories, and we want to help families during these times.”

A $55 donation to Spartanburg Regional Foundation enables Wade's to prepare a special holiday meal for these families with service for 12. Spartanburg Regional Hospice currently cares for nearly 130 patients in their homes. This year the Easter Meal program expects to provide for more than 1,500 people.

“When dealing with a loved one in Hospice, you may not want to prepare a fancy meal,” said Shelly Sinclair, Spartanburg Regional Foundation director of philanthropy. “We want them to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. The Easter Meals allow the patients and their family to enjoy a nice meal that they do not have to stress about so they can really focus on spending quality time with their family.”

Families who lost a loved one in Spartanburg Regional Hospice care within the two weeks leading up to Easter will also receive a meal, helping them to experience a time of healing and togetherness.

For more information on Easter Meals 2017 or to make a donation today, please visit RegionalFoundation.com.