Volunteers share conversation and lunch at South Coast Hospice's annual luncheon Friday in Coos Bay. The event honored those who give their time to the organization and its families. - World Photo by Lou Sennick

It was a crowded house at South Coast Hospice's Community Bereavement and Education Center on Friday.

About 50 people attended a volunteer recognition luncheon for the helpers of the South Coast Hospice & Palliative Care Services. The lunch at hospice’s center on Thompson Road was held as a thank-you for all the volunteers who assist with patients and families, work at the thrift store and help out in the office. This is the 22nd year the organization has honored its volunteers.

Want to be a hospice helper?

South Coast Hospice is inviting people interested in helping the organization to sign up for Spring Volunteer Training.

The 11-week program will be offered from 1 to 3:50 p.m. on Tuesdays, starting April 1 at the Community Bereavement Center, 1620 Thompson Road, Coos Bay.

The class will explore death and dying, compassionate communication, stress relief, boundaries, feelings surrounding the dying process, grief and loss, active listening, serving unconditionally, cultural differences, spiritual and emotional wellness. There is no charge, unless the training is taken for college credit through Southwestern Oregon Community College.

For more information, those interested can call 269-2986 or e-mail sch@schospice.org.