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Be a Volunteer

We promise great "rewards" to those unselfish individuals who come to CHKD with a desire to help. That's because we believe no reward is greater than the satisfying feeling you get when you labor unselfishly for others, especially for sick children…when you know you are needed…when you know you are appreciated.

CHKD volunteers apply that special touch, that extra smile and willing pair of hands to help make the difference in the care for which we are so well known.

Whatever your need, we'll try to match it to ours. We can help you give the greatest gift of all. All you need to do is spare a little time and share a little of yourself.

If you would like to apply to volunteer at CHKD, complete the Volunteer Information Request Form.

Volunteer Opportunities

The volunteer opportunities are endless at CHKD. We offer a variety of volunteer experiences based on your personal interests, including:

• Kids & Company Gift Shop
  Put your people skills to work in our gift shop while you interact with families and staff within the hospital.
• Work directly with the kids
  As a child life volunteer you might find yourself playing with the children in the activity room or reading a story or playing a game with a child who is unable to leave his room.
• Assist in a waiting room
  Our surgical waiting area volunteers work directly with families while they are awaiting news about their child's surgery.
• Support our staff
  Gain valuable work experience or share your existing clerical skills with one of the many departments within the hospital. Or interact with families and patients on a clinical unit while assisting the nursing staff.
• Junior Volunteer Program
  Teenagers who are at least 14 years old (by January 1) and still in high school can apply in our Summer Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are accepted between March and May only. Due to the large volume of applications, we are not able to keep applications on file.

Also, if you have special talents, please let us know. We are always interested in developing new services.

Commitment Requirements

To ensure a positive experience for both the volunteer and CHKD, we request the following of all volunteers:

• Personal interview
• Commitment to a regular weekly schedule
• Attend volunteer orientation
• General good health
• Documentation of 2 MMR immunizations, varicella (chicken pox) screening and an annual negative TB skin test
• Background investigation
• Purchase and wear CHKD volunteer uniform
• Sign and adhere to the strict confidentiality code
• Follow hospital policies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I start volunteering?
   Answer:

   The first step to becoming a CHKD volunteer is to either complete the request for information form or contact the office at (757) 668-7195. When we receive your request or phone call, we'll send you a letter outlining the health history and orientation requirements for volunteering. After gathering the necessary medical information, we'll schedule an interview to meet you and discuss appropriate placement for you in the hospital. The final step is to complete a volunteer orientation session.
2. How old do you have to be to volunteer at CHKD?
   Answer:

   Individuals over 18 are welcome to join the adult volunteer program at CHKD. Teenagers who are at least 14 years old (by January 1) and still in high school may to participate in our Summer Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are accepted between March and May only. Due to the large volume of applications, we are not able to keep applications on file. Please only submit applications during the specified time frame.
3. What will I do as a volunteer?
   Answer:

   Volunteers are vital to the success of many areas of the hospital. They work in nursing units, patient activity rooms, offices, the gift shop, materials management, radiology, surgery, the hospital school program, waiting rooms and outpatient centers. We try our best to match your interests and skills with an area of the hospital that is in need of a volunteer.
4. Can volunteering lead to a paid position at CHKD?
   Answer:

   Volunteering is a great way for people interested in a medical career to get an introduction to that field. It also gives people valuable experience that may one day help them get a job. And some CHKD staff members began working at the hospital as volunteers.
5. Can my company/corporation volunteer as a group?
   Answer:

   We welcome companies and businesses that want to volunteer at CHKD. Each member of the group must meet and complete our program requirements and must commit to a regular schedule (at least one day a week with a minimum of four hours each day). Groups interested in scheduling a one-time or monthly activity with the patients should contact the Child Life Department directly at (757) 668-7327. The Child Life staff will work with you to schedule your visit.
6. Can my family volunteer together?
   Answer:

   Volunteers usually work as individuals in specific departments and units. Individual family members still need to meet specific age and volunteer requirements. We will be glad to discuss your needs and determine a schedule and placement that is beneficial to both you and the hospital.

Volunteer Testimonials

"I was once a patient at CHKD, and I remember how much the volunteers and staff affected me. Everybody was great, and they made my stay at the hospital as joyous as it could be. I want to do the same - affect people by making their lives just a bit more fun and happier. Volunteering makes me feel better about myself which is a great feeling."
Adam Pardue, Junior Volunteer, Child Life Department

"Being a part of the CHKD family has been a way of life for me since 1968. As a member of the Alice Davis Circle of The King's Daughters, I decided to do in-hospital volunteering because it appealed to me more. Somehow it's more 'hands-on.' I have worked in many different departments at CHKD but the Gift Shop has been the primary outlet for my 'mercantile abilities.' During my years of working at the hospital, I have gotten to know many staff members as well as fellow volunteers. I feel I have a large group friends who make me feel like a real colleague."
Heike Walker, Volunteer, Kids & Co. Gift Shop

"The wonderful volunteer program at CHKD has shown me what I want to do for the rest of my entire life. I know that I want to spend it working with children. It [volunteering] has done wonderful things that I will forever appreciate."
Paige Brown, Junior Volunteer, Child Life Department

Contact Volunteer Services

For additional information on volunteering at CHKD please call us at (757) 668-7195 or email us volserv@chkd.org. If you are interested in the Jr. Volunteer Program, please call between March 1 and June 15 for more information.