Clayton Donates $100,000 for Hospice Center

The Town of Clayton has made a $100,000 donation to the proposed new Johnston County Hospice Center, making good on a promise that helped kick off a recent fundraising drive.

Clayton's donation brings the total raised to $1.2 million so far for the $3.8 million Center, but it was the early promise from the town to make a sizable donation that got fundraising off to a good start, said Hector Perez, executive director of the Johnston Memorial Hospital Foundation, the group spearheading the new project. That promise encouraged others to follow suit, he said.

“The Town of Clayton has taken a leadership role from the beginning,” Perez said. “I can't thank the people of Clayton enough for the vision and foresight they've shown.”

Foundation officials are confident they can raise the remainder of the construction funds by the end of the year.

“There was never a question from this Town Council that we wanted to do this,” said Mayor Jody McLeod. “We are proud to support such a good project that will fill such an important need.”

Presently, Johnston County has no hospice facilities.

The new 12,458-square-foot, 12-bed Center will be built on Hospital Road in Smithfield, near the hospital. The close proximity will allow the hospital to provide support services.

“Though it will be located a few miles away from us, this is truly a county-wide project,” said Town Manager Steve Biggs. “There has been a longtime need for a facility of this type in Johnston County.”

By virtue of its support, the town has been given naming rights to the Children's Playroom in the new Center.