Hospice Circle of Love to host spring book sale, Friday and Saturday

Enid News & Eagle (OK)

April 03-- Apr. 3--Hospice Circle of Love will host its spring benefit book sale Friday and Saturday.

The nonprofit fundraiser will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 314 S. 3rd, in the building immediately north of the Hospice Circle of Love offices.

Julie Nelson, community relations director for Hospice Circle of Love, said money from the book sale "helps us take care of our patients who don't have a hospice benefit through their insurance or Medicare."

Nelson said Hospice Circle of Love doesn't charge patients or their families for any hospice services not covered by insurance, and relies on fundraising and donations to meet those needs.

"That's why the book sale is so important to us," Nelson said, "so we can continue to do that."

The sale has been going on for more than 30 years, and draws in donations of books all year long. Anyone with gently used books can donate them at Hospice Circle of Love, 314 S. 3rd, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round.

Nelson said volunteers work several hours a week sorting donated books, which are sold each April and October in the biannual book sale.

Volunteers were busy Tuesday helping Nelson sort and display approximately 15,000 books on long tables, where they'll be available for browsing and purchase Friday and Saturday.

Books are available in hardback and paperback in a wide variety of genres, including fiction and nonfiction, mystery, western, cookbooks, science fiction, religion, children's books and biographies. A limited number of books on tape and music CDs also are available.

"We have lots to choose from," Nelson said. "We have just about everything you could think of."

Hardbacks are $1, and paperbacks are 50 cents. Baked goods will be available by donation. Customers also can enjoy a free cup of coffee while they browse and will receive a free bookmark with purchase.

Organizing the book sale requires a significant effort, and wouldn't be possible without dedicated volunteers, Nelson said.

But, the book sale isn't the only area where volunteers help out at Hospice Circle of Love. Nelson said they're also invaluable in administrative tasks, providing respite for caregivers and in spending compassionate time with hospice patients.

Jean Syoen said she was drawn to volunteer with Hospice Circle of Love eight years ago, after a family member was a patient of the hospice service.

"When a family member goes through it, you learn to appreciate everything hospice does and can do for patients," Syoen said.

She said it took overcoming some personal hurdles to immerse herself in end-of-life care, and to draw close to those nearing death.

"It amazes me that I can do it," Syoen said. "I never thought I could do something like this, but it just feels good to do it and be of help."

Cathy Wiles, also a frequent volunteer with Hospice Circle of Love, said the benefits of volunteering with hospice patients isn't a one-way affair.

"I think we get more than we give," Wiles said. "It's heart-warming to be able to help others. It makes you feel you've accomplished something good."

According to the Hospice Circle of Love website, the nonprofit service has provided more than $2.5 million in donated care since 1983. For more information, visit http://www.hospicecircleoflove.com/index.html.

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