Special to The Post-Searchlight

Staff members from the Gentiva Hospice office collected approximately 4,400 pounds of food donations throughout August as part of an annual national food drive led by its parent company, Gentiva Health Services, Inc.

Gentiva Hospice employees at the Bainbridge office, and their counterparts around the country, placed food collection bags at various health care facilities in their respective communities, and also collected goods in their offices. Thanks to generous giving from individuals and organizations in the surrounding areas and around the country, a total of 325,867 pounds — or just under 163 tons — of food is being delivered to organizations nationwide. The total almost doubled Gentiva’s record of 83 tons collected nation-wide last year.

“As our friends at the food banks say, ‘Hunger doesn’t take a vacation during the summer,’” said Tanya Champion, area vice president of the Bainbridge branch. “We want to thank all of the many local health organizations and businesses — as well as our friends, neighbors and associates — who contributed so much to this drive at a time when charitable groups face chronic shortages of food and our community efforts must focus on both the needs of local people affected by the economy, as well as the victims of natural disasters.

“Since Gentiva Hospice staffers are never satisfied with the status quo, we look forward to breaking our national and local records next year.”

Gentiva Hospice provides a full range of hospice services to patients in Seminole, Decatur, Early, Calhoun, Clay, Baker, Mitchell, Grady, Thomas and Miller counties. Its Bainbridge office is owned and operated by Gentiva Health Services, Inc., a provider of comprehensive home health, hospice and related services.

Area residents, physicians and referral sources who wish to learn more about Gentiva Hospice should call (229) 246-6330. The Gentiva Hospice office is located at 432 E. Shotwell St. in Bainbridge.