Video: Annual Christmas Marketplace Raises Funds For Local Ministry

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – For almost eight years, those facing terminal illnesses have found a place of refuge and comfort at this house, in far west Tupelo. Since then more than 2 thousand patients and families have been served at Sanctuary Hospice House.

“Our goal at Sanctuary Hospice is to give respectful, dignified care to the dying and also care for the family unit,” said Linda Gholston, executive director.

Gholston gets to know patients and family members who come through the doors of Sanctuary Hospice House. Diane Howard Walker’s Dad, Otiz Ezell passed away on Tuesday at the age of 102. Although he was only at Sanctuary Hospice for a few days, Howard Walker, who is from Detroit, says the care and attention was second to none.

“He lived in his own house until he went into the hospital two weeks ago,” Howard-Walker said. “So to try and get him someplace where his spirit would be peaceful and he would be comfortable was a real concern of mine.. And when they brought him from the hospital , once he was here I just saw all the anxiety and agitation just went away.”

Algoma resident Billy Foster has been at the hospice house nearly everyday for the past six weeks. His wife, Linda, has two terminal brain tumors. Foster was familiar with Sanctuary Hospice House and says he has found an extended family.

“They told us when we came here we could do anything we wanted to, have as many people here as we wanted to we could have as many visitors as we wanted, any age, and they feed me here , just like I am a patient here, they ask me how I feel everyday, just like my wife,” Foster said.

As summer was winding down, Carol Kloac’s 85 year old mother, Betty Smith, came to the house as a patient. Kloac says she has always supported the ministry through its fundraiser known as Celebration village. She encourages others to do the same.

“It is a ministry here, they tell you that but you also sense it when you walk through the front doors. Just always remember when you are out there shopping that it could not be for a better cause than to support Sanctuary Hospice House ,” Kloac said.

In the past, Celebration Village has raised about $300,000 for the ministry. Celebration Village is in building 5 of the furniture market.

https://www.sanctuaryhospicehouse.com/celebration_village.asp