Hospice of North Central Ohio (HNCO) has recently received $2,250 in funding to support children who are mourning the loss of a loved one. 

According to a press release, funding was provided through the The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation of Newark, Ohio, to purchase therapy bears to for North Central Ohio’s 2022 Camp Hope children’s bereavement camp which is scheduled for June 17, 18, 24 and 25 at Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp in Perrysville, Ohio.

"Each year at Camp Hope, we offer a variety of activities, crafts and small group time for the campers to share their own story, learn coping skills and create memories," Becky Pfister, HNCO lead social worker/MSW said. "This year, through this grant, we will be able to provide each camper with a special stuffed animal, which they will stuff, and into which they can place notes or other small tokens of remembrance of their loved one."

Created in 2005, The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation rounds up members' bills to the nearest dollar to collect donations for local charities.

"The Energy Cooperative has had the fortune of witnessing gallant efforts in various ways throughout many of the communities we serve, including Hospice of North Central," Chair Beth Barker, of The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation, said. "In June, Operation Round Up is honored to partner with Camp Hope Children's Bereavement Camp. Concern for Community is a cooperative Principle we don't take lightly, and Camp Hope is yet one more incredible way they're exhibiting this compassion."

Established by HNCO in 1996, Camp Hope was created to support grieving children by providing them a safe space to mourn and share their story. 

Ohio families that are currently mourning the loss of a loved one can receive free continuous bereavement services by calling HNCO at 800-952-2207.