Hospice of Hilo will hold a volunteer training class beginning Aug. 20.

Volunteers may choose to work directly with patients and families or to volunteer in other ways. The experience can make a big difference in both the patients' and the volunteers' lives. The support for patients and families may include visiting, reading, taking walks, writing letters, sharing music, massage therapy, shopping, household maintenance, or allowing family caregivers the opportunity to take care of errands.

Hospice of Hilo requires that applicants complete extensive orientation and training sessions, and a pre-training application and interview is required before the upcoming class.

For more information, contact Pearl Lyman at 969-1733 or send e-mail to pearl@hospiceofhilo.org.