Legion Post 90 blood drive Saturday

American Legion Post #90 in Cape Coral will hold a blood drive this Saturday, Oct. 17, from noon to 5 p.m., at the post at 1401 S.E. 47th St., Cape Coral.

The donations are by appointment only — call 239-343-2333.

The goal for the drive is 26+ units for the Lee Health Blood Center.

All blood donations stay in Lee County to benefit local residents and visitors in need. All donors will receive a thank you gift and wellness checkup, including blood pressure, temperature, iron county and cholesterol screening.

‘Secrets to Surviving the Season’ support group to meet

For those who are grieving, holidays can be especially difficult. Hope Healthcare is offering a new three-part specialized support group in honor of National Hospice Month for adults to discuss feelings and learn from the experiences of others in a supportive environment.

Hope’s licensed therapists will help group members develop strategies for addressing emotions in-the-moment and coping with typical triggers. Participants will also learn creative techniques to use throughout the holiday season through art and music therapy exercises.

The group will meet Wednesday Nov. 11 and 18 and Dec. 2, from 6-7:30 p.m. Contact Lorrie.McCann@hopehcs.org or call 239-985-7716. Registered participants will receive an email link to join the virtual sessions through Zoom video conferencing after contacting the counselor in advance of the meeting. Hope offers the support group to the community at no cost.

Hope Healthcare, which includes Hope Hospice and Hope Kids Care programs, is a not-for-profit health care organization dedicated to providing care and comfort to every individual and their loved ones as they fulfill life’s journey. For more information, call 239-482-4673 or visit HopeHCS.org.

Hope Healthcare’s ‘Brave Hearts for the Holidays’ helps grieving children

In honor of National Hospice Month, Hope Healthcare is offering a special bereavement opportunity designed for children ages 7 to 12 who have lost a loved one in the past year.

Designed and facilitated by Hope’s professional counselors, the free, five-part virtual series will provide kids with a safe space to share with their peers, learn to cope with feelings of grief, and discover healthy ways to express their emotions. The therapeutic sessions will include art, music, and other creative activities, along with a chance for participants to memorialize their loved one for the holidays as part of their journey through this challenging year.

Virtual Zoom groups divided by age will be held Tuesdays, Nov. 17, Dec. 1 and 15, and Jan. 5 and 19 from 4 to 5 p.m. Children should plan on attending all five dates.

Registration is required by Monday, Nov. 2. To register a child ages 7 to 9, contact Jessica.Eastham @HopeHCS.org. For children ages 10 to 12, contact Diana.SanMiguel@HopeHCS.org.

There is no cost to participate in Hope’s Brave Hearts for the Holidays group. All necessary supplies will be included and available for pick up prior to the first session. Registered participants will receive an email link to join the virtual sessions through Zoom video conferencing.

Hope Healthcare, which includes Hope Hospice and Hope Kids Care programs, is a not-for-profit health care organization dedicated to providing care and comfort to every individual and their loved ones as they fulfill life’s journey. For more information, call 239-482-4673 or visit HopeHCS.org.