Make a Difference in Your Community

It’s the season of giving, of remembrance and of making fresh starts.

Whether you’re looking to honor a loved one or just want to have a positive impact in your community, there are many ways to support the life-changing care provided by Empath Health.

“From planned gifts to volunteering or supporting the Resale Shops, there are ways to give that can fit each individual’s capabilities,” says Karen Van De Putte, director of philanthropy for Suncoast Hospice Foundation, a member of Empath Health. “Every contribution makes a lasting difference in the lives of those who need the care of Empath Health the most.”

The generosity of the community helps fill gaps in care and ensure everyone can receive the support they need.

Financial Support

Our goal is for people with advanced and chronic illnesses and those experiencing grief to have the best quality of life and offer a wide variety of programs and services to meet those needs. While some of these services provided by our network of care can be reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, many are not. With hospice, we care for anyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Whether it is a one-time tribute gift, joining the Monthly Giving Club or remembering Suncoast Hospice Foundation in an estate plan, every dollar makes a difference. As a nonprofit organization, all of our funds go back into our community. Below are a few examples of where your donations could go:

• $50 provides a bereavement session for a grieving loved one
• $137 helps care for a hospice patient’s beloved pet when he or she cannot
• $180 provides a day of hospice for someone in our care
• $256 ends hunger for 35 people affected by HIV with “Make at Home” meals
• $500 supports a child suffering from trauma due to a sudden loss
• $888 comforts three mothers grieving the loss of their newborn children

For more information, please contact the Individual Giving Team at (727) 523-3422.

Special Events

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, volunteers and attendees, members of Empath Health benefit from a variety of special events held throughout the year. These events include the Suncoast Hospice Beach Stroll and Dining Out for Life. Corporate sponsorships, at a variety of levels, are available for many events.

We also invite community organizations to host their own events to support the programs and services of Empath Health. Through the end of December, members of the public can enjoy the Lights of Lake Park holiday display, benefiting Suncoast Hospice. A community tradition for 27 years, this drive-thru event offers more than three miles of Christmas lights and decorations. Held in memory of beloved neighbors, the event has raised over $970,000 since its inception.

Suncoast Hospice Resale Shops

Our Suncoast Hospice Resale Shops offer a variety of ways to support all of the care services Empath Health provides to individuals and families. Each sale at one of our three locations helps to support life-changing care. The large and perpetually-changing inventory is made possible by donations of gently-used clothes, furniture, home goods and much more.

To make a donation, just drop off gently-used items at any of our locations. We can also pick up any large or heavy items you can’t move on your own. Call (727) 286-4483 to schedule a pick-up.

In addition to community donations, volunteers are the cornerstone of our stores. Our volunteers greet donors, sort and price items and fill other essential roles.

Become a Volunteer

From providing a caring presence to patients and families to assisting with office tasks and more, volunteers are an invaluable part of Empath Health. Whatever your skill set is, you can make a difference in someone’s life, including your own. Options for daytime, evening and weekends are available and some roles can be done from home.

The Veterans Serving Veterans program offers unique opportunities for patients and volunteers to find a common connection and the comfort of a shared experience.

Pinellas County high school students can register to become a part of the Teen Volunteer Program. Teens may participate in activities that help brighten the day of patients, tutor pediatric patients or give their time to other thoughtful gestures.

Wherever you choose to volunteer at Empath Health, there’s a place for you.

Learn more about how you can help support Empath Health by visiting EmpathHealth.org/get-involved