Hope Lodge needs volunteers to serve meal to cancer patients

When diagnosed with cancer, some patients must submit to leaving their homes and travel to where they can receive the best care. Patients traveling to Nashville sometimes end up calling Hope Lodge home while they fight the disease.

On May 27, Hands On Nashville is asking for volunteers to help prepare and serve a home-cooked meal from 5:30-7 p.m. for patients at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge. Volunteers will coordinate with one another on which dishes they'll bring, which will range from chicken and fish dishes to all things sides and desserts.

"The dinner is actually one of the most important components of that community that's formed," said Jo Pulcini, Hope Lodge associate director. "Cancer is a very isolating disease, and everyone is going through the same experience together. At a lot of times at the end of the day, they're tired, and they all come into the dining room where there's a hot homemade meal made for them by great volunteers like the folks from Hands On Nashville."

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. Hope Lodge is a free temporary lodging facility for cancer patients and caregivers who travel to Nashville for treatment.

Ages 17 and up are ideal volunteer candidates. To become a volunteer, go to tennessean.com/volunteer.