Volunteers

Volunteers are at the very heart of Children’s Hospital Central California, providing crucial support services that are vital to the hospital and the well being of its patients. Each year, more than 500 Children’s volunteers, ranging in ages from 13 to more than 90, donate their time and energy to support our mission to provide high quality comprehensive health care to children regardless of their ability to pay.

The majority of our volunteers work directly with patients playing games, reading books, delivering crafts, magazines and movies or assisting with arts and crafts at the bedside or in the hospital playrooms. There are also opportunities available with little or no patient care where volunteers help out in our various clinics and offices, in the Gift Shop or at the information desks as greeters.

Volunteers will be asked to make an initial commitment of 6 months of service, volunteering a minimum of 6 hours a month. The majority of our volunteers commit to a weekly schedule. Depending on the area of service, a shift can run between two and four hours. We offer flexible scheduling and will work with you to determine a schedule that meets your needs as well as ours.

Not able to make this commitment? Individuals or groups who want to offer support on a one-time or infrequent basis may participate in our “Big Hearts for Little Hands” program. Please explore the Groups and Organizations link for additional information and creative ideas to help make your Big Hearts for Little Hands visit even more rewarding. Call (559) 353-5876 for more information or to schedule a visit.

There are many ways you can help the patients at Children’s Hospital. Whether you would like to give your time on an ongoing or short term basis or if you would like to make or purchase gifts, we have options available for you. Please explore the links in this section to find the perfect opportunity for you.

Questions? Please feel free to contact us:
Volunteer Services
(559) 353-5222

*Unfortunately we are unable to provide hours for Court Appointment Community Service. Please contact HandsOn Central California for assistance at (559) 237-3101 or toll free: (866) 476-7787.

Volunteer Opportunities

Patient Unit Volunteer: Provide support to clinical staff by holding and rocking babies, entertaining patients in their rooms, scrapbooking, providing patient pampering, transporting patients or items, assisting at nursing stations, visiting with families and much more!

Emergency Department Volunteer: Visit with families and patients in treatment rooms and act as a liaison between families and staff. Assemble packets and assist with clerical needs and act as a waiting room greeter when necessary.

Gift Shop Volunteer: Assist customers in selecting the perfect gift, wrapping, stocking shelves, and providing cashiering services.

Playroom Volunteer: Work alongside Child Life Staff in the playroom assisting with various activities and arts and crafts projects.

Classroom Volunteer: Read stories or assist the teacher in providing an educational setting for inpatients during their hospital stay.

"George" the Mascot: Volunteers are needed to make an appearance as "George" at various on or off-site events. Training and costume provided.

Greeters: Act as host/hostess, providing information, escort services and smiles to our visitors and families at various locations through out the hospital.

Chaplain Aide Program: Provide spiritual support services to patients and families under the supervision of the staff chaplain (training provided). (Adults Only – Currently recruiting Eucharistic ministers)

Administrative Services Volunteer: Assist with word processing, filing, copying, faxing, answering telephones, stuffing envelopes and other office projects in various areas of the hospital.

S.P.O.T (Special Pets Offering TLC): Canines and their owners visit patients to provide pet assisted activities known to contribute to the healing of sick and injured children. (Adults Only)

Child Development Center Volunteer: Located on-campus, the Child Development Center is an Easter’s Seals day care available to the employees and physicians of Children’s Hospital. Volunteers will assist teachers in carrying out daily activities with children. (Students Only)

Dietary Services Volunteer: Volunteers in Dietary Services will be responsible for collecting daily menus from patient’s rooms and working collaboratively with Nutritionists in tray assembly. Volunteers will also be responsible for delivering menu items to the patient’s rooms as well as restocking the Nourishment Rooms on each unit.

Literacy Program: Bilingual individuals encouraged! Volunteers will interact with patients and their families while they are waiting to be seen in one of our outpatient practices. Provide read aloud and story book time for patients and families while creating a friendly and supportive environment.

Tour Guide: Tour groups through the facility, showcasing the Grape Jelly Fish Cafe, Playroom, Classroom, private patient rooms, wonderful courtyards and much more! All age groups toured, including school groups K-6 (ages 5-12) and youth/adult groups (13+).

With so many volunteer opportunities available, individuals may find it hard to decide which area to choose. We can help! As part of the interview process for volunteers, the program coordinators work with individuals to select positions that meet their comfort level and career interests.