"I found love and comfort from people who not long ago were strangers. Jeffrey E. George Comfort House took away my loneliness and that awful dread that I had only three months to live." Those were the words of Drew Clark, a 31-year-old guest who praised volunteers at the Hospitality House as being compassionate and caring.

The Jeffrey E. George Comfort House, located at 2801 S. Staunton Road in Huntington, provides temporary lodging for families and friends of adult patients who live outside a 50 mile radius of Huntington while receiving treatment at any local hospital. During 2006, comfortable lodging was provided for nearly 2,000 individuals by area volunteers.

Volunteers like Allen Burdette, a retired construction supervisor who has been with the Comfort House since the doors opened nearly 8 years ago. "There was an ad in the paper for volunteers here; my wife and I made a few inquiries. We just fell in love with the place," said Burdette, who does everything from general maintenance to serving on the Board of Directors.

"We begin each new day in the spirit of anticipating how we can help hurting families who are away from home," said Jo Fannin, president and CEO of the Comfort House. "We focus on the needs of our guests so they can at least find peace, comfort and refreshment from the storm of illness or injury."

Help in obtaining those goals comes from Toni Paas, a retired nurse who has volunteered her time at the Comfort House for 3 years. "I heard what a wonderful place this was to work, I just thought it would be something I would enjoy being a part of," said Paas, who prepares meals, and answers the phone when she isn't doing clerical duties.

For 2 years now, Susan Castle has been serving at the Comfort House. "My work here doesn't need to make a big difference. Making a small difference to just one person makes it worthwhile," Said Castle, a retired school teacher.

In each of the 12 guest rooms there is an ongoing "diary" for guests to record their thoughts, and feelings -- anything they wish to express, good or bad. Those books contain a collage of heartfelt expressions directed toward the volunteers who displayed friendship, empathy, and compassion during their stay.

One guest in particular, an individual who owns a hardware store in Justice, W.Va., is receiving treatment for removal of a brain tumor. When he discovered the Comfort House had a few damaged commodes, he donated all the fixtures and internal plumbing.

While Barbara Cary would not enjoy installing commodes, she does volunteer in several other areas. "I love cooking for our guests. Every Monday, I prepare a big pot of stew, chili, or beans. There are sandwiches in the refrigerator, and snacks on the counter," said Cary, a retired nurse.

Mike Fannin is another Jack-of-all-trades volunteer. He picks up donated food items all over town, keeps office supplies stocked, does computer graphics, prepares pamphlets and brochures, while keeping the soft drink machine filled.

Cancer finally claimed the life of Drew Clark. A young man with so much to live for who spent his final days among volunteers who took him into their hearts. In a letter Clark gave to the Comfort House, he found it difficult to express in words the appreciation he felt for those who touched his life.

It's been said that God's finger prints are all over the House. Speaking with those who volunteer their time and those who come confused and tired: You can almost feel God's presence.

Volunteers are always in demand. If you have 3 hours a week to give, call them at (304) 522-1832

Clyde Beal is a freelance writer living in Huntington. This is part of a series of articles bringing attention to those who volunteer their time supporting organizations in our community who would perish without their support. If you wish to become a part of this series, contact Night Local Editor Luke Damron at (304) 526-2753 or by e-mail at ldamron@heralddispatch.com.