music. Others have donated CD players, which help the patients who can’t wear headphones. “One person heard about the program and purchased a brand-new CD player and had it delivered,” Jackie says. “She didn’t have any connection to Providence—she just thought it was a great program and wanted to help.” This program resonates with other music lovers, and they have been inspired to get involved. On one occasion, Annette was shopping at Disc Replay in Downers Grove, looking for Jerry Lee Lewis music for a patient. The owner found out why she was looking for music and gave her the CD for free, telling her to let him know any other CDs she needed, and he would donate more music. Another time, someone specifically requested Gospel music from the Gaithers, and Annette was having trouble finding anything. A bag of donated CDs arrived and as Jackie was sorting CDs, a Gaithers CD was one of the donations. “It was such a ‘God-moment.’” Annette says.
Greta, one of the Providence Hospice volunteers, gets ready to take music to a patient.
These music donations help Providence Hospice utilize grant money for more supplies. For those looking to give, some of the most popular music genres include instrumental, soothing nature sounds, hymns, gospel, classic country, showtunes, jazz, crooners, swing music, Big Band, and Motown. Annette would like to eventually have a library of music she can use to more easily create playlists for patients. But until then, she and her volunteers will be on the hunt for just the right music the patients are requesting.
“This is such a meaningful program,” Annette says. “As Hans Christian Anderson said, ‘Where words fail, music speaks.’ And it’s so true.” If you have items you’d like to donate, you can reach Annette at amcclain@provlife.com.
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