As we begin to welcome volunteers back on campus, we will be utilizing a phased approach to having our volunteers return. Over time, we will begin to onboard new individual volunteers and evaluate safe ways to bring back group volunteering opportunities. Some of the in-person events or opportunities listed below may not be available at this time. Feel free to email us at lbvolunteers@lebonheur.org to inquire about current opportunities.
Host a Special Event
Hosting a special event can provide a wonderful way to connect with our Le Bonheur patients and families. To ensure the safety and privacy of our patients and families, visiting groups must always be arranged in advance through our Volunteer & Family Support Department or Seacrest Studio. With patient health and care as our primary concern, we cannot always accommodate visitors, and you will be notified if any restrictions are in place. 16 years of age is our recommended guideline for visitors to patient units. Those under the age guideline may be permitted for performances or activities on the lobby level of our hospital.
Event application process:
- Once we receive your completed application, a Le Bonheur associate will contact you to discuss your event.
- Event requests require 3 weeks’ notice prior to requested date and no dates are guaranteed.
- A confirmation will be provided once your event has been approved.
- Seasonal events tend to book in advance (i.e. holiday season may be fully booked by October) and may impact availability.
Before submitting this application, please review our Special Event Guidelines.
Below is a list of the different events that you can help with.
Child Life Events
Arts & Crafts Activity - Plan crafts for patients and siblings ages 2-18. Host the activity by assisting patients in assembling the crafts. The group/organization is responsible for providing the activity and supplies. Volunteers of any age welcome. Group size: 8-10 people
Event Space Performances - Perform puppet shows, musical presentation, dancing, magic show, etc. Please provide song list for all performances. Activities/performances must be family-friendly. Volunteers of any age are welcome. Group sizes will vary.
Game Day - Host a game day in the event space. Your group is responsible for providing the games. Volunteers of any age are welcome. Group size: 8-10 people.
Room to Room Visits - Collect non-medical items for patients, such as books, toys, or stuffed animals, and deliver them room to room. Groups may also host a special event in the main event space to distribute items. Volunteers must be 14 years old to visit the hospital units. Group sizes will vary. Please click here for a list of recommended items/toys.
Volunteer Services Events
Beverage Cart – Volunteer Services can host up to 5 people on the beverage cart. Volunteers will be going room to room offering hot beverages to patients and families. This volunteer opportunity requires groups to bring 8 dozen donuts with them to pass out along with the beverages.
Comfort Cart – Volunteer Services can host up to 5 people on the comfort cart. Volunteers will be going room to room offering toiletries to patients and families. We do not require a donation to do this, but donations are always needed and appreciated.
Adopt-A-Floor program – This program allows a group to adopt one of our floors in the hospital and host four events throughout the year. Events may include but are not limited to: providing a meal for the families, providing a meal for the staff, hosting a holiday party, decorating the floor for a holiday, hosting a craft, throwing an ice cream party, hosting a drive, etc. This program is perfect for corporate groups who want to have teambuilding activities. At least 5 volunteers can participate in these events and different volunteers can come each time.
Host-A-Meal Program – Take some stress off of our families by providing them with a hot meal! Host a breakfast, lunch or dinner for our patients and families on one of our floors of 24 rooms or host a hospital wide meal! All meals must be catered from a restaurant or made in a commercial kitchen and booked with Allison Smith ahead of time. At least 5 volunteers can participate in hosting a meal and different volunteers can come each time.
Host-a-Drive Program
Host a drive for us to help sustain our family support programs. We have a clothes closet, food pantry, activity cart, library and a comfort cart, and we are always accepting donations. Create a teambuilding project with your staff, church group, social club, youth group, etc. to collect our most needed items. Schedule a drop off with us at the hospital or we will pick up the items!
Please see a list of accepted items below:
Support Ms. Flinn’s Clothes Closet
Ms. Flinn’s Clothes Closet at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital provides clothing for children and adults who arrive at the hospital during an emergency or whose stay is extended unexpectedly.
Most Needed Items:
- Newborn and infant onesies, pajamas and bibs: all sizes
- Toddlers/Youth t-shirts, pants, underwear, pajama sets: all sizes
- Adult unisex t-shirts, sweat pants, socks and underwear: all sizes
- Shoes and slippers for children and adults: all sizes
Please note: All donations to the Clothes Closet must be new with tags; elastic waistbands or drawstring are preferred!
Support the Food Pantry
The food pantry at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital provides complimentary meals and snacks for families who need assistance during their hospital stay. Each month, more than 100 families are nourished by items from the food pantry at Le Bonheur. Your contribution to the food pantry ensures meals and snacks will be readily available to families in need.
Most Needed Items:
- Microwavable soups, pastas, ready-to-eat meals, rice, entrées, and chili
- Microwavable macaroni & cheese bowls
- Vienna sausages
- Tuna fish and chicken salad kits
- Individual cups of fruit, applesauce, oatmeal, cereal, pudding, and Jell-O
- Granola, protein, and breakfast bars
- Peanut butter, cheese, Ritz, and saltine crackers
- Pop-Tarts
- Individual bags of chips, cookies, fruit snacks, pretzels, raisins, and nuts
- Microwavable paper bowls
Please note: All items for the food pantry must be self-opening or pop top, individually packaged and non-refrigerated. We cannot accept any canned goods that require a can opener or any items that are expired.
Support the Activity Cart
The activity cart provides patients with coloring/activity books and crayons to keep them active during their hospital stay.
Most Needed Items:
- New coloring books
- New activity books
- New individually packaged crayons (packs of 8 or 24 are preferred)
Support the Library
Le Bonheur loves to provide patients and parents with books to read during their hospital stay. We are passionate about literacy in the mid-south.
Most Needed Items:
- New books for all ages
Support the Comfort Cart
The comfort cart provides families with travel-size toiletry items for children and adults who arrive at the hospital during an emergency or whose stay is extended unexpectedly.
Most Needed Items:
- Toothbrush (individually packaged), toothpaste*, mouthwash*, and floss
- Shampoo* and conditioner*
- Body wash* (no bar soap allowed)
- Deodorant* (men’s and women’s)
- Lotion*
- Shaving cream* and disposable razors
- Comb, brush, and ponytail holders
- Q-tips* and tissue packets*
- Contact solution* and contact cases
- Feminine care pads and tampons
Please note: Items marked with an *asterisk must be travel-sized and ALL items must be brand new.
For more information, please contact allison.smith@lebonheur.org
FedExFamilyHouse Group and Individual Volunteer Opportunities
To volunteer at FedExFamilyHouse please click here.
