Volunteer Opportunities

The Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield is very fortunate to have more than 200 volunteers who assist in many areas of the hospital. The generous time given by the volunteers helps our patients and staff.

Shriners Hospital Volunteers

Persons interesting in becoming a volunteer must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Commit to volunteering at least six months of the year
• Commit to work a minimum of two hours a week
• Provide two references and pass a criminal history background check

Become a Volunteer

Simply call our volunteer office at (413) 735-1292, and ask for an application to be mailed to you. You may also come into the hospital to complete an application. The volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule an interview.

Volunteer Hours

You may give as few as two hours per week, or as many as the department needs. Many departments such as child life, transportation and the information desk have specified schedules. Other departments needing clerical help may be more flexible.

Volunteer Recognition Program

• Complimentary cafeteria pass
• Free parking
• National Volunteer Week brunch
• Summer picnic

There are many departments that can accommodate the talents and desires of those who want to volunteer. A few examples are:

Child Life
Volunteers assist the child life therapists with daily socialization and recreational activities for the patients. These activities include playing board games, pool, air hockey, arts and crafts, reading to the patients and enjoying visits from outside groups. Volunteers can also help with the teen leisure group and holiday events.

Clerical/Filing
Volunteers with office experience work in many areas of the hospital performing such tasks as filing, phone coverage, photo copying, data entry, large scale mailings and special projects.

Food/Nutrition
Volunteers assist the food services staff by working the cash register during busy service times. They also deliver prepared meals to the inpatient units for the nurses to distribute.

Information Desk
Volunteers greet all visitors who enter the facility. They ensure that everyone signs-in, receives a visitor's badge and is properly directed to their destination.

Transportation
Volunteer drivers run errands essential to patient and hospital business. Using hospital vehicles, they transport patients to and from clinic appointments and diagnostic testing.

Volunteer drivers must:

Pass a defensive driving course
Submit to a driver's license query
Have a physical examination, every year, performed by a personal physician