Power of kindness brightens Holiday for HCA patients and families

At Hospice of the Calumet Area (HCA), a special tradition happens every year on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving.

For the past 25 years, a dedicated group of volunteers transforms the interior and grounds of HCA’s William J. Riley Memorial Residence (WJR) into an inspiring and festive holiday retreat.

Our family has taken part in this tradition since I joined eight years ago, and it has become the perfect way to begin our holiday season. When the holidays start to feel commercial and overwhelming, this experience brings us back to the Cherishing Life philosophy and reminds us of the power of kindness and compassion. It shows us what these simple acts can mean to others when they need it most.

At the center of this moving tradition is Purdue University alumni Chad Hunter, Scott Schaller and Oscar Munoz, who have led the effort since it began.

On Sunday, Nov. 30, nearly two dozen volunteers, including children like my 9 year-old Monica, spent several hours decorating Christmas trees at WJR in the living room and the dining area. Volunteers also wrapped lights around outdoor trees and bushes, placed wreaths around the residence, and helped create an atmosphere of comfort and joy for patients and families navigating through an emotional season.

“It has become one of my favorite holiday traditions,” said Hunter. “We are giving back but for some reason we get more than we give, which is a testament to serving others.”

This group of friends, which Hunter describes as a grassroots community service team, began over two decades ago when he was a student. As a member of the university’s Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, he wanted to organize a service project. A community member pointed him toward Hospice of the Calumet Area, which was still in its early stages.

Hunter remembers naming the group Paladin, a Middle French word that means warrior. Each year, Paladin returns on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving to continue their inspiring tradition. Hunter and his pals recruit volunteers through social media, email, and phone calls, drawing people from many nearby communities.

The volunteer group seems to keep growing every year. The eight-suite residential facility serves patients with life limiting illnesses, and the decorations bring meaningful comfort.

I was disappointed when I realized this year’s decorating date fell on the same day as my son Anthony’s 15th birthday gift to see his beloved San Francisco 49ers play in the frozen tundra of the Cleveland Browns. My inspiring bride immediately put my mind at ease, assuring us it was no problem at all. She offered to take photos for me and step in alongside my frequent volunteer companion and Christmas tree décor extraordinaire, Monica, so they could take our place and keep the family tradition alive.

“It means a lot for a family to have a Christmas tree,” said Cynthia Camp, volunteer coordinator for hospice. She explained that Riley strives to provide patients with a home like environment, and these decorations can often ease stress during a time that can be especially emotional for families.

“This group is terrific to work with and have inspired us for a very long time with their commitment to serving others,” Camp said. Hospice of the Calumet Are relies on over 400 volunteers, who together contribute more than 13,000 hours of service each year, with a financial saving of over $300,000 for the non-profit.

"That many people willing to help hospice speaks to the strength of our program," added Cynthia.

Personally, I remember meeting with a family a couple of years ago. The daughter was in tears as she asked if they would be allowed to bring in a Christmas tree. When I assured her that her father would be staying in what truly felt like a Winter Wonderland, her smile stretched from ear to ear. I later shared that moment with my pal Chad, and it has stayed with us ever since.

“We have been doing this for so long that you try not to think about it,” Hunter said. “But Damian’s story reminded me that we did, and continue to do some good.”

In a world that can move too fast, this tradition forces us to pause, breathe, and remember what truly matters. It is a reminder that even in life’s most difficult chapters, there is room for beauty, generosity, and connection. And that Cherishing Life is a gift that will always make a difference.

Damian Rico is the Marketing and Community Relations Director at Hospice of the Calumet Area. The opinions expressed are his own.