DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO ADOPT RESIDENTS FOR SEPT. 10 FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY

NEW CASTLE (July 28, 2016) - The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) is recruiting volunteers to adopt residents for its annual Friends & Family Day event on Saturday, Sept. 10, on the facility's grounds in Smyrna.

The Hawaii Luau Friends & Family Day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will include DJ entertainment, dancing, face painting, train barrel rides, lunch, snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy. Children are welcome to the event at the long-term facility at 100 Sunnyside Road in Smyrna.

Because many residents will not have family members, loved ones or friends who can participate in the day, the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill is recruiting volunteers to adopt a resident. Volunteer duties include escorting the resident to lunch, assisting them with the outdoor activities and visiting the special treat stations. Groups and organizations also are welcome to Adopt-A-Resident and they will be paired with a resident unit.

A lunch will be provided by DHCI or volunteers can bring a picnic lunch to share with a resident. When volunteers sign up, DHCI will let them know of any diet restrictions for the resident.

"To ensure that all of our residents are able to enjoy the day, we need the help of volunteers from across our state," Department of Health and Social Service Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "Friends & Family Day is a wonderful way to give back and spend quality time with the residents of Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill."

The long-term-care facility, which is operated by DHSS, has about 140 residents. Admission requires both a financial and a medical need.

If you or your group is interested in adopting a resident for Friends & Family Day, contact Jennifer Bobel, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at Jennifer.Bobel@delaware.gov or call 302-223-1011 no later than Aug. 19. Be sure to include a phone number or email so she can contact you with further details.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.