A Heart for Hospice: Sixth Grader Leo Hobbins Inspires with Service and Compassion

Leo Hobbins brings 100 cans of Campbell's Soup to Hospice of the Calumet Area's William J. Riley Memorial Residence. From left, HCA aide Raejean Zipko, Volunteer Marion Nadratowski and Rebecca Orange and pictured with Leo Hobbins.

As Volunteer Month comes to a close, we are reminded that compassion often begins at home and can grow into something that inspires an entire community. At Hospice of the Calumet Area, we are continually blessed by volunteers of all ages — and today, we are proud to share the story of a young man whose heart for hospice is both humbling and inspiring.

Meet Leo Hobbins, a sixth grader at St. John the Evangelist in St. John, Indiana. When his school challenged students to create a service project, Leo didn’t hesitate. He immediately thought of his mother, Jeannie Hobbins, who has been a dedicated volunteer at our William J. Riley Memorial Residence, the 8-bed inpatient unit of Hospice of the Calumet Area.

Seeing her compassion in action, Leo felt compelled to make a difference as well. Together with Jeannie, he reached out to our volunteer coordinator, Cynthia Camp, to ask how he could help. Cynthia shared a simple, heartfelt need: many of our residents find great comfort in warm, easy-to-swallow foods like soup.

Leo sprang into action. He created a flyer and began distributing it throughout his neighborhood, explaining his project and asking for donations of soup. His community responded with generosity and enthusiasm, helping him collect over 100 cans of Campbell’s soup to donate to our patients.

"I am amazed by the generosity and commitment of our volunteers," said Cynthia Camp. "Leo is a special young man, and we are grateful that, like his mother, he has a heart for hospice."

As someone who knows the Hobbins family personally, I can tell you that Leo’s act of service comes as no surprise. His parents, Jeannie and Dr. Pat Hobbins, are a testament to raising children with strong Christian values. Dr. Hobbins was my father’s physician, and his compassion, humility, and bedside manner during my dad’s care deeply moved me. That same spirit of care and commitment clearly lives on in Leo.

Leo’s story is a beautiful reminder that we are never too young to serve, and no act of kindness is ever too small. His actions are proof that one heart, filled with compassion, can create a ripple of goodness that touches many.

As we close out Volunteer Month, we do so with gratitude for all those who give their time, energy, and love in service of others. Thank you, Leo, for your light. And thank you to every volunteer who helps us continue Cherishing Life.

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Damian Rico is the director of marketing and community relations for Hospice of the Calumet Area. The opinions are the writer's.