Volunteer Opportunities

Shriners Hospitals offers many opportunities for volunteers. 

Volunteers make a difference in our hospital, whether they are passing out snacks each night or welcoming our families at the information desk, all volunteers support the needs of patients, families and  staff.

Open Volunteer Positions at Shriners in Cincinnati as of October 2007

• Schoolroom Volunteers (weekdays 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
• Child Life Volunteer (weekday evening hours and weekdays 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Parent House Gardener (at least 2-3x/month, times flexible)
• Rooftop Garden Gardener (at least 2-3x/month, times flexible)
• Clinic Crafter (Fridays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Process to be a volunteer for people over the age of 18:

• Fill out volunteer application and return it to hospital or call (513) 872-6058 and ask that an application be mailed to you.
• If there is a match to your availability and interests and an open volunteer position (see above), you'll be asked to come in for a personal interview and a background check.
• We'll ask you to commit to a schedule - usually same day and time each week and for at least six months.
• Additional orientations and on-the-job training are required for most volunteer placements.

Process to be a volunteer for people under the age of 18:

• Because of limited volunteer opportunities after school hours, students are encouraged to volunteer during the summer months.
• Fill out a volunteer application and mark it for summer volunteering only. 
• Teenagers need to be at least 14 years old to volunteer at Shriners.
• The summer program runs from mid-June to mid-August; to be accepted into our program, you may miss only two scheduled volunteering times over the summer.
• There are occasional volunteer opportunities for high school community service groups at the hospital, contact Pat Harrison at (513) 872-6058 to see what is available or check our open volunteer positions. 

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Shriners, contact Pat Harrison.

Downloabable Volunteer Application (PDF)

Volunteer Groups at Shriners Hospitals - Cincinnati

Syrian Shrine Hospital Host Unit

In service to the hospital for over 30 years, this group of Syrian Shriners volunteer at the hospital delivering mail, driving the vans, conducting tours and other various jobs around the hospital. If you are an active member of Syrian Shrine and interested in joining the Hospital Host unit, please call Unit Director, Stan Carter at (513) 753-8191.

Bona Guides, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America

The Bona Guides deliver a snack cart service to the patients through the week. If you are a member of LOSNA and would like to join Bona Guides, call Kit Witschger at (513) 248-4673. Check out their website athttp://www.losnacincy.org/

SOAR Volunteers (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery)

All SOAR volunteers/supporters are at least one year out from their burn injury and must complete an application and an 8-hour training program presented by instructors trained by the Phoenix Society. For additional information see our SOAR brochure (pdf 596kb).

Pet Therapy

Our pet therapy program is coordinated by Glenna Mockbee and Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati. You must contact them directly to get more information about their service to Shriners and other organizations around Cincinnati.

Hospital Clowns

Shriners have a long and rich history of clowning around - especially with patients at the Shriners Hospitals. Cincinnati is lucky to have two clown groups: The Syrian Shrine Clowns (who visit the hospital the 1st Saturday of every month) and The Crazzy 8's (a unit under LOSNA who visit the hospital on the 3rd Saturday of every month). If you are a member of LOSNA or Syrian Shrine and would like to learn more about these groups, please call Louise Hoelker at (513) 872-6059. Out of town Shrine Clowns are welcome to coordinate their visit with our Syrian Clowns. For information about planning your Shrine Clown trip, contact Andy Mellman through the Syrian Shrine Center at (513) 751-3800.

Syrian Ambassadors and Sunday Sunshine Ladies

The Syrian Ambassadors and their Ladies have been active with the Cincinnati hospital for several years. The ambassadors work with the hospital's speakers bureau to spread the word about the hospital and the Shriners fraternity. The ambassadors also work hundreds or hours at several hospital fundraisers throughout the year, such as the Colerain Township Fire Department Safety Expo, Hebron (KY) Open House, and The Playing to Heal Youth Football game in Ross, Ohio. If you are an active member of Syrian Shrine and would like information on joining the ambassador unit, please contact Ray Robinette at (513) 829-7238. The Lady Ambassadors coordinate a Sunday Sunshine Squad here at the hospital. These ladies welcome families to the hospital on Sunday afternoons, take them on a tour and get them the necessary things to make their stay as pleasant as possible.

Happy Service & Sewing Ladies

Through LOSNA and Daughters of the Nile, ladies can become active volunteers at the hospital. Happy Service meets at the hospital on the 4th Tuesday of each month to make tray favors and other gifts for the kids. Ishtar Temple, #54 Sewing Unit meets the 1st Tuesday of each month.