Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro Awarded $5,000 Grant by UPS Foundation

(GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA) – UPS Foundation awarded HPCG a $5,000 grant in support of Aarvy the Aardvark Finds Hope, a Kids Path program puppet show that reaches local students in the Guilford County School System. Grief education is a curriculum requirement for third graders, and the program provides guidance counselors a means through which to explore grief.

The puppet show has been touring in Guilford County for nearly 15 years and has received an award from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. The Kids Path program consists of counselors, social workers, chaplains and volunteers, who provide one-on-one grief counseling and support groups for children and youth.

According to Katie Wanglin, Support Services Team Manager, “The puppet show continues to serve as one of our most important marketing and educational tools to date, reaching nearly 4,000 children annually. The funds provided by the UPS Foundation will support the purchase of new puppets, more realistic props, and a much-needed sound system to enhance the audience experience.” Additionally, “Upgrading the sound system will allow puppeteers to move within and among audience members and provide clear, audible interaction with participants providing a more meaningful experience to all,” said Wanglin.

Paul Russ, HPCG’s Vice President of Marketing and Development stated, “UPS Foundation’s generosity enables HPCG to reach more children who are coping with loss and grief, while improving access to palliative home health and hospice services for medically fragile children. We are especially honored that the application for this grant was initiated by one of our volunteers, Julie A. Breuchel, a UPS employee.”

HPCG, a non-profit agency serving Greater Greensboro for over three decades, is situated on an eight-acre campus at 2500 Summit Avenue. HPCG provides physical, emotional and spiritual support for children and adults faced with a life-limiting illness, as well as their caregivers and families. For more information, contact HPCG at 336.621.2500 or hospicegso.org.