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.
We offer a variety of opportunities for individuals, groups, high school and college students to volunteer or shadow at Le Bonheur. Please read below for an overview of our current opportunities to get involved.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities
Activity Cart - Volunteers take a cart of arts and crafts, games, and activities room to room on the inpatient units and engage in activities in the patient’s room.
Baby Hugger - Volunteers interact with patients on the intensive care unit floors by rocking, soothing, cuddling, reading books and providing other age-appropriate activities. The intensive care unit floors include patients ranging from newborns to toddlers.
Please note: We are not currently training any new volunteers for the baby hugger position. We encourage you to apply for our other volunteer positions, as many roles (especially unit buddies) frequently interact with infants and toddlers. We will update this website as availability changes.
Child Life Rooms– Volunteers facilitate play in the Pre-Teen/Teen room, provide creative outlets for our patients and families in the Creative Arts room or host movies in the Room of Magic movie theater.
Emergency Department – Volunteers assist staff, families, and patients by helping with the following: respite care for parents, entertainment or supervision of siblings, staff errands, and cleaning toys.
Unit Buddy -- Volunteers interact with patients on the inpatient floors by playing games, reading books and providing other age-appropriate activities. The inpatient floors include patients ranging from infants to teens.
Reach out and Read – Volunteers read books aloud to patients, siblings and family members in Le Bonheur's outpatient center waiting areas.
If you are interested in any of the opportunities listed above please click here to apply online!
Group Opportunities and/or Special 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.
For more information on hosting a special event and to fill out the application click the link below.
Summer Programs
Summer Volunteer Program 2024
The Summer Volunteer Program at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is a condensed version of our regular Individual Volunteer Program, designed to provide structured volunteer opportunities to individuals who have additional free time during the summer months. This is a great way to give back to the community during a time when individuals are off of work, school, etc.
Participants in the Summer Volunteer Program will have direct interaction with patients and families in a hospital setting. Opportunities will likely include entertaining patients on our inpatient floors as a Unit Buddy, providing respite care for family members, and serving as a volunteer in our Emergency Department.
Program Requirements
Spots for this program are limited, so applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old and graduated from high school.
- Be flexible, a self-starter, and willing to volunteer where needed!
- Able to commit to around six hours (two, three-hour shifts) of volunteering each week from June to August. Shifts will occur on the same day and at the same time each week and will depend on availability. Evening and weekend shifts will likely be available.
- Please note: we understand that summer trips may already be planned. It is acceptable for participants to miss one or two shifts. If you know you will be out of town and unable to volunteer for multiple weeks, please do not apply.
- Complete all paperwork and immunization requirements by the deadline given.
- Able to attend an orientation and training session either on Thursday, May 23, or Thursday, May 30, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Application and Candidate Notification
To apply, please complete the online form by Wednesday, May 1st, at 5:00 p.m. Acceptance will be based on program capacity, and all candidates will be informed of their status on Friday, May 3rd, by 4:00 p.m.
Those accepted into the program will then receive instructions for how to proceed. There will be a requirement of medical records, including proof of 2 MMR vaccinations, 2 varicella vaccinations, Tdap, and a TB test. A urine drug screen will also be required. Instructions will be provided about how to obtain these records/tests.
If you have any questions, please email lbvolunteers@lebonheur.org.
Summer VolunTEEN Program 2024
The Summer VolunTEEN Program at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital gives teens the opportunity to witness the impact volunteering has on the community and explore careers in the medical field. The program is divided into four sessions with eight participants in each session. High school students aged 16 and 17 years old are encouraged to apply for this program.
Applications are due by Wednesday, April 17th at 3:00 p.m. All teens will receive an email informing them of their status in the program by Friday, May 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Please note: our emails may go to your spam/junk folder.
Specifics about the VolunTEEN program:
- 4 sessions
- June 3rd-7th
- June 17th-21st
- July 8th-12th
- July 22nd-26th
- Shifts are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Teens will be responsible for their own lunch and transportation)
- Teens will need to be available for all five days, which will add up to (30) total volunteer/shadowing hours. If the teen is not available for all five days, they will not be allowed to participate in the program.
- Eight teens will be accepted per session. Teens will only be accepted into one session.
- This program is available to teens aged 16 and 17 years old and still in high school.
- Opportunities available include: taking several carts around room to room to pass out hot beverages, donuts, toiletries, toys, books, blankets, hats, crafts, etc. to patients and families, interacting with patients/siblings in play/waiting areas, and shadowing/learning about various careers throughout the hospital.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted online by Wednesday, April 17th at 3:00 p.m. Hand-delivered or mailed applications will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.
Application
Applications must be submitted online and consist of:
- Your contact information, not your parent/guardians.
- Completing the prompted questions, including:
- What is the importance of volunteering in your community?
- Briefly describe your career goals.
- Share any past volunteer/inspirational experiences that motivate you to participate in this program.
- What are you hoping to gain out of the VolunTEEN program?
If you know someone that is interested in this program, please make sure of the following:
- The teen has expressed a sincere, personal desire to work with kids and volunteer at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
- The teen is motivated, outgoing and passionate about working with kids, as demonstrated by being a self-starter and someone who is comfortable initiating conversation.
- The teen should be trusted to function independently, with little supervision.
- This application process and program is designed to help prepare teens for college and job applications. Therefore, the teens should be encouraged to complete the application and communicate with our team independently.
With this program, we strive to create a safe environment for our patients and a memorable and fun experience for the teens. Please keep this in mind when you make referrals.
Once accepted, there will be a $25 fee for each participant to cover program costs.
Submitting medical records will be required including proof of 2 MMR vaccinations, 2 varicella vaccinations and a Tdap vaccine.
Candidate Notification
The submission of an application does not guarantee placement. Acceptance is based on program capacity.
Should you have any questions please email: lbvolunteers@lebonheur.org
Alternative Break Groups
Le Bonheur is fortunate to be a volunteer site for college students spending their spring, fall or winter break participating in community service activities. College and university students from across the United States come to Le Bonheur to give of their time to support the patients and families. Opportunities include: providing activities to patients and siblings on the inpatient units, emergency department and waiting areas, providing respite and support for families and staff, hosting our child life activity rooms, serving on the beverage cart and much more! 10 participants per group are allowed and the time frame is typically Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., one week per group.
Since we can only host one group at a time, we book up fast! We usually need eight months to one year notice of your trip. Interested colleges/universities must contact Allison Smith in Volunteer Services at Allison.Smith@lebonheur.org for available dates and more information.
