NEWPORT--A new ministry at Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice (SMHH&H) is providing floral arrangements to hospice patients.

Volunteer coordinator Tina Kilgore explained the flower ministry accepts any flower donations to make new flower arrangements. The new arrangements are placed in bud vases then delivered to hospice patients and bereaved families.

"I have met with the funeral homes and florists and let them know once a funeral service is over, flowers can be donated to the flower ministry where they can be made into a new small arrangement to bring joy to a hospice patient," Kilgore explained.

Within the first week of the program, two families donated floral arrangements after funerals, she said. She explained the first arrangement delivered by the ministry was taken by a certified nursing assistant (C.N.A.) to a hospice patient at a nursing home.

"She (the patient) was overwhelmed to receive live roses," said Kilgore. "And the C.N.A. was blessed as much as the patient was blessed. The patient kept asking if the flowers were really for her. She was just overwhelmed. She was completely overjoyed."

Kilgore said the idea of donating the flower arrangements is to "allow the flowers to continue to give, even after they have served their initial purpose. They can give to more than one person and be fully appreciated in each sense."

SMHH&H will pick up any donated floral arrangements from funeral homes after funeral services. Another concept Kilgore has discussed with florists is that any flowers that are no longer good enough to sell, but shouldn't be thrown out yet, would be welcomed for the flower ministry.

"We'll accept fresh flowers after wedding ceremonies or parties as well," she said. "We'll also accept flowers people have cut from flower gardens. We welcome any cut flowers."

Bud vases are also needed for the project, and any vases may be dropped off at SMHH&H, 222 Heritage Blvd. In addition, volunteers are needed for the new ministry.

"If anyone has an interest or knowledge of flowers, we welcome them to join us and help make the new arrangements," said Kilgore. "We also we need hospice volunteers."

She pointed out those who do not feel comfortable with patient contact may consider working with bereaved families, or with other aspects of the ministries, including making flower arrangements at the office. An area has been set up in the old Newport Pediatrics office to arrange flowers.

"There are ways for everyone to feel comfortable and participate," she noted. "Anyone interested in volunteering in any form should call and discuss the volunteer opportunities available."

The flower ministry is also active at the SMHH&H Kingsport and Greeneville offices and will begin at Morristown soon. For more information about the flower ministry, to donate flowers or vases, or to learn more about becoming a volunteer, call Tina Kilgore at SMHH&H at (423) 623-0233.