Ways to Help

Volunteers

Since Children’s Hospital’s beginning more than 80 years ago, when physicians and nurses donated their services to the hospital, volunteers have played an important role in our success.

Today, volunteers continue to provide invaluable services to the hospital’s patients and staff. Whether their gifts involve playing a game with a patient, greeting hospital guests, or assisting a therapist, the time and talents of our volunteers are precious to the children we serve. Volunteers provide that extra touch - a warm smile, a cheerful greeting, an extra pair of hands. The rewards of volunteering are endless and so are the opportunities for giving and caring. Whatever your need, we’ll try to match it to ours. Together, we can continue the commitment of all past, present and future volunteers.

If you would like to share your time and talents and help with the needs of others, call the Children’s Hospital Volunteer Office at (804) 228-5920 to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Volunteers assist in many hospital areas, including:

  • Recreation Therapy
  • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
  • Information Desk
  • Inpatient Unit
  • Transitional Care Unit
  • Administration and Clerical Positions
  • Outpatient Services
  • Special Events

Descriptions of Sample Volunteer Opportunities:

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
Assist therapists by maintaining toys and equipment and transporting patients, records and supplies to and from designated hospital areas. Some assistance with patient therapy as directed or guided by therapist.

Information Desk Host or Hostess
Greet and direct hospital visitors and families and provide administrative support for hospital offices.

Recreation Therapy
Assist recreational therapists with one-on-one play with the children, including creating arts and crafts, playing games and developing other special activities.

Administrative
Extend services of the hospital staff by assisting with mailings, filing reports, running errands and making copies.

Requirements and Commitments of an Adult Volunteer:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • General good health
  • Completion of an Infection Control Health Questionnaire
  • If born after 1957, must provide adequate documentation of two measles, mumps and rheubella vaccinations
  • Annual negative TB test
  • Personal interview and follow-up orientation
  • Background investigation and reference check
  • Adherence to strict confidentiality codes
  • Adherence to hospital policies
  • Commitment to a regular schedule for three months or more

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of time commitment is required for volunteers?

We work with your schedule to come up with the best times for you. You could volunteer once or twice a week or twice a month. Most departments have morning or afternoon shifts; evening and weekend shifts are available in Recreation Therapy, the Inpatient Unit and the Transitional Care Unit. We do ask that volunteers make a three-month commitment when starting. If your availability would vary, consider being a special events volunteer and helping out at some of our many events throughout the year.

Children’s Hospital does not limit or exclude any applicant because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin or any disability.

Junior Volunteer Program

Junior Volunteers (between ages of 13-16) are invited to apply for our summer Junior Volunteer Program. Participants must be 13 years of age by June 1 of the summer program. Applications are available March 1 and may be obtained by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator. There are a limited number of positions available for this program. After the application review process, positions are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information contact , Volunteer Coordinator, at (804) 228-5920.

The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.