The holidays are a time when families and friends come together to enjoy one another's company and to build memories. But for those with a loved one in hospice care, planning a holiday family gathering and meal can take a back seat to more important concerns.

To serve these Spartanburg Regional Hospice families, the Spartanburg Regional Foundation pays for a full Thanksgiving meal from Wade's Restaurant. The meals, which feed from 10 to 12 people, will be delivered to homes on Saturday, Nov. 18, by a team of volunteers.

The program is one of many ways the Foundation and Spartanburg Regional Hospice collaborate to support patients and families.

“Thanksgiving is a time everyone can get together and make lasting memories, especially if it could be a family member's last holiday,” said Kim Ross, director of Spartanburg Regional Hospice and Palliative Care. “When someone's health is in decline, family gatherings become that much more important.”

A $55 donation to the Spartanburg Regional Foundation covers the cost of the meal for one family. The Thanksgiving Meal program provides for more than 1,500 people.

“Some families are dealing with the accompanying financial issues illness can bring,” said Shelly Sinclair, director of philanthropy for the Foundation. “Some of our families do not have the emotional stamina to coordinate a complicated family gathering. We believe this program is an important way to offer support.”

Families whose loved one passed away within the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving will also receive a meal.

The meals will be delivered frozen so that they can be thawed and reheated for Thanksgiving. Each meal comes with preparation instructions.

Spartanburg Regional Hospice currently cares for nearly 130 patients in their homes.

"Our hospice program is committed to helping patients have the best day they can have every day,” Ross said.

For more information or to make a donation to the Thanksgiving Meals program, please visit RegionalFoundation.com.