For to come upon warblers in early May was to forget time and death.
—Theodore Roethke
It all started when. . .
I first began volunteering at Pete Moore Hospice House in February of 2024. The busy staff had been filling the bird feeders on a catch-as-catch-can basis. Some of the feeders were in serious disrepair and the seeds were moldy or sprouting.
I had trained to volunteer directly with patients. My triage training, however, enabled me to determine where help was most needed. The patients were in excellent hands. The birds needed a bit more help.
Enter Wild Birds Unlimited!
Given the state of the feeders, I knew that this was a job for true professionals. I drove directly from the hospice house to Wild Birds Unlimited where manager Dara Nichols immediately agreed to help.
Co-owner Barbara Gleason conducted a site visit to assess needs. Soon shiny new bird feeders, nutritious seed, and other supplies were donated.
Now, after months of regular maintenance, more birds than ever before are visiting: hummingbirds, wrens, chickadees, towhees, and so many finches!
Now, families and staff take me aside to say how much joy the birds bring them during a difficult time. The birds were in attendance at a recent memorial gathering for families on the beautiful grounds.
How You Can Help!
Contact Wild Birds Unlimited (North Store) at (541) 505-9361. Ask to speak with Dara and tell her you want to donate store credit to the account of “Holly Knight Pete Moore Hospice House.”
Buy discounted seed and other supplies at either WBU store. WBU has generously agreed to match your donation. Send a message to hollytom [at] gmail.com to find out what we need.
Volunteer! The feeders are cleaned and refilled weekly. I have drafted my husband, but the birds could always use more help!
Your donation is tax deductible! Just be sure to send your address information to hollytom [at] gmail [dot] com so we can send a receipt.
About Pete Moore Hospice House
Cascade Health’s Pete Moore Hospice House is Lane County’s only hospice house, offering the unique experience of compassionate, culturally sensitive, hospital-level, end-of-life care in a comfortable, secure, and home-like environment.