| |
Who volunteers?
Adult Volunteers
- Must be 18 or older
- Must be willing to make a commitment of at least 6 months or 100 hours
- Can begin the volunteer process at any time of the year
Teen Volunteers
- Are 14-18 years old (14 by June 6 and attending high school in fall)
- Are high school students
- May choose to participate in our Summer Teen Program (June through August) or our Year-Round Teen Program (can begin any time between August and March). Some teens choose to participate in both programs.
Back to Top When do you need volunteers?
With your patience we will be able to accommodate you.
Back to Top What if I only have time to volunteer on evenings and weekends?
Training takes place mostly during the business day. If your desire is to work during the evenings and/or weekends, you will need to arrange your schedule so that you are able to attend our daytime introductions, orientations, and unit-based training.
Back to Top How do I become a volunteer?
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
You must be at least 14 years old to volunteer. Summer Teens must turn 14 by June 2, and beginning high school in the fall. No exceptions are made.
Back to Top I am considering a career in health care, can I shadow a doctor or nurse?
Our volunteers have a wide range of contact with a variety of staff members, however, the volunteer program is not structured to provide a shadowing/observational experience.
Back to Top Once I apply, how long does it take to become a volunteer?
This process can take 2-4 weeks to complete. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our patients with a thorough screening process, which includes a health screening and criminal background check.
Back to Top How will I be trained?
Volunteers attend a general orientation session and participate in the Supplemental Paths Program during their first 15-60 hours of service. Once a volunteer moves on to a particular unit or department, there will be a second orientation/training period.
Back to Top Can my group/organization/school/company come for one day and visit the children?
We appreciate the gesture but, due to patient confidentiality and infection control policies, we are not able to accommodate group volunteering in our hospitals on a short-term basis. If your group is interested in doing a project for the hospital, please contact the Volunteer Services Office at 713-704-4141 for group activities that can benefit the patients and staff at our hospital.
Back to Top How do I deliver my donation?
Please call the Volunteer Services office at 713-704-4141 to inform us of your donation so that we may discuss an appropriate time for drop-off. You should inform Valet Parking that you are dropping off a donation to Volunteer Services. Please note that in most cases, donated items must be new, and should NOT be gift-wrapped in order for us to distribute the items.
Back to Top What items are needed at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center & Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital need?
- Toiletries: deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, preferably small or travel-sized,
- Socks & Underwear: Women's underwear (new) needed in all sizes, as well as athletic socks and “footies,”
- Clothing: T-shirts, elastic-waist pants (like pajama pants or sweatpants), and sports-bras are needed in all sizes. Often our patients' clothing is damaged or must be cut off of their body when they come to the hospital,
- Coloring Books: Coloring Books (or drawings that you have Xeroxed and stapled together) with a snack-size baggie attached in which you have placed a few crayons,
- Stuffed Animals: Stuffed animals are appreciated by all of our patients, children as well as adults,
- Crossword Puzzles and Word Finds: Create your own, or provide the purchased variety. Please include a pencil (one-time use mechanical pencils are best, as patients/family members probably will not have access to a pencil sharpener).
- Craft/Activity Kits: Assemble simple craft/activity kits that have all pre-measured, pre-cut supplies included in a ziplock bag with a small direction sheet (cross-stitch, needlepoint, bead activities, bracelet-making thread, leather lacing activities).
- Stationery: Note cards, envelopes, or postcards. Please include stamps.
- Blankets: Small “throws” or “lap blankets,” receiving blankets for newborns.
Because our patients come from a wide variety of religious, political, and social backgrounds, we require that all donations be religiously and politically neutral.
If you wish to donate something not on this list, please call our office to discuss.
Back to Top Are my donations tax-deductible?
All donations will be acknowledged. If you deliver your donation, fill out a donor form and we will mail you an acknowledgement letter. If you are sending a donation, please include your name, address, and phone number, and we will mail you a letter of acknowledgment. We do not specify dollar amounts on our acknowledgement letters.
Back to Top Will someone pick up my donation?
Due to staffing and transportation limitations, we are not able to pick up your donations. However, in-kind donations can be mailed to Volunteer Services, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center & Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, 6411 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030-1501.
Back to Top What about used toys?
Due to infection control issues and safety guidelines, we are only able to give our patients newly purchased toys. It is recommended that donated items be in original packaging.
Back to Top Can I donate food?
No food (including candy) may be given to the patients. Many of our patients are on dietary restrictions and cannot have certain foods. Please do not bring any edible donations to the hospital. We also ask that you not include any food with other donations.
Back to Top May I deliver my gifts/donations directly to a patient?
We are sorry, but because of concerns for the patient's privacy, infection control and security, donors are not permitted to visit patient floors. Please be assured that our patients are appreciative of your donation.
Back to Top May I come perform at the hospital?
If you or your group are interested in performing at the hospital, please call 713-704-4141 for more information.
Back to Top
|
