Hospice Volunteer Supports Mission Through Classic Cars and Crocheting
- Volunteer
People often wonder what volunteering for Hosparus Health looks like. The truth is, each volunteer’s experience is as unique as they are. Our volunteers bring a wide range of skills and talents to the organization and choose to share those gifts in many ways. The one thing our volunteers all have in common is a willingness to give of themselves to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Volunteer Brenda Forshee put her own creative spin on supporting the Hosparus Health mission, using her crocheting talents and lifelong passion for hot rods to help those facing serious illness.
Hot Rods and Afghans
The love of muscle cars runs in the family. Brenda has been going to car shows with her brothers all her life. She even met her husband, Russell, 42 years ago at a local car cruise. Her brothers had been trying to talk her into getting a classic car of her own for years. In 2012, Brenda found the one – a 1972 Nova SS. After a paint job by Rick Erwin, pinstriping by the legendary Bob Taylor, work on the interior, and modified small cam 350 engine, along with the addition of Crager SS wheels, it was ready. Brenda had her show car, which she named Big Red.
In a decade of owning Big Red, Brenda has shown it at numerous local charity car shows, including the River Cities Corvette Club Hosparus Car Show at Bachman Chevrolet. Since its start years ago, this annual event has raised significant donations for Hosparus Health.
Big Red is only brought out for charity car shows or big hot rod events. But no matter where Big Red goes, Brenda keeps a camp chair and tote bag of yarn in the trunk. While sitting beside her Nova, Brenda crochets care blankets for Hosparus, talking with people about her ministry of serving others. Self-taught, and crocheting for about as long as she’s been married, Brenda has donated blankets and goods to churches and organizations across Kentucky. She even won “Best of Show” at the State Fair for one of her afghans.
Crocheting for a Cause
Brenda says she crochets for relaxation, but it also keeps her busy. In the past two years, Brenda has made and donated 250 handmade care blankets for patients through the CareMakers program. Over 40 of these blankets have been patriotic afghans. These blankets are presented to veterans by volunteers during formal recognition visits. She also works on red and green blankets throughout the year. In late November, she delivers big bags of these special holiday-themed blankets to wrap patients in the season’s cheer.
Family of Supporters
Support of Hosparus Health’s mission runs in the family. Brenda’s daughter, Brittany, started volunteering with the organization in middle school. For Brittany’s high school senior project, she threw a Fall Festival, with all proceeds benefitting Hosparus Health. Having had loved ones and friends in their Bullitt County community in our care, Brittany and Brenda appreciate the specialized care Hosparus offers seriously ill people.
We’re grateful for the family’s efforts in sharing the importance of our mission, ensuring more in the community are aware of our vital services. We also appreciate the blankets Brenda has donated, which have helped so many of our patients feel supported and comforted.
If you are interested in volunteering your unique talents to help those facing serious illness, we’d love to have you. Give us a call at 800-264-0521 or contact us online here.
