Volunteer

Chicago Cubs players Michael Wuertz and Mike Fontenot visiting a teen patient

At the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, our volunteers are true stars--exceptional individuals who take the extra steps that make a difference in a child's life. They deliver mail, books, or magazines to hospitalized children. They comfort families who are worried about loved ones. Through deeds large and small, volunteers help patients and their families feel better during difficult times.

The following are a few examples of our volunteer program opportunities:

Surgery Waiting Lounge

Families waiting for news of a loved one's surgery are often anxious. Volunteers in the Surgery Waiting Lounge help soothe tattered nerves and provide other assistance to patients' families.

Children's Play Areas

Chicago Cubs outfielder Reed Johnson visiting a patient at Comer Children's Hospital

In our playroom, play areas, and outpatient waiting areas, children enjoy playing games and making art creations with volunteers. Playful activities offer kids a safe and fun escape from illness, tests, and treatments. When a child is too ill to leave the hospital room, volunteers bring toys and games to the child's bedside.

Kids Count

The wait for a doctor can seem endless, especially for a child who is nervous about what's ahead. By playing with kids in the waiting room, Kids Count volunteers turn the trip to the doctor's office into a fun activity, rather than a dreaded destination. Volunteers help in the pediatric outpatient clinics at the Family Health Center (55th Street at Cottage Grove Avenue).

Donate Blood

The need for blood affects us all. Nine out of every 10 people will need blood at some point in their life and a constant supply of blood is necessary for the life-saving treatments needed by many patients here at the Medical Center. Donating blood is a simple, meaningful way to help support our patients.

In order to donate blood you must be feeling well and have eaten a meal before your donation. The whole donation procedure takes under an hour, including a confidential health screening and blood collection. Juice and snacks are available after your donation, and a food court voucher or parking validation is our small way of saying thanks for your generosity.

Donating blood saves lives. Please call the donor room at (773) 702-6247 for more information or to make an appointment, or come to room 5G in the Center for Advanced Medicine for your donation. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. all other weekdays.

Office Support

Volunteers provide office support such as typing, computer entry, and filing. Their assistance makes an invaluable contribution to the Hospitals' day-to-day activities.

Mail Delivery and Book Cart

Come rain or shine, mail gets delivered to hospitalized patients, thanks to dependable volunteers. They also deliver books and magazines to these patients.

Join Our Team

Consider becoming a volunteer at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. You must be in good health, willing to commit four hours per week, and be at least 16 years old. Volunteer candidates must complete an application and interview, and must pass health-screening tests for tuberculosis, measles, German measles, chickenpox, and illegal drugs. Download a volunteer application (PDF).

Most volunteers say that the personal fulfillment which comes from helping another person is their greatest reward. Other volunteers look forward to the new friendships and camaraderie they share with fellow volunteers. Still others enjoy learning new skills.

In appreciation of the work and time our volunteers contribute, the University of Chicago Hospitals offers benefits to volunteers, including:

• Free parking in the visitors' garage
• Eligibility to take UCH Academy enrichment classes at reduced employee rates, including classes in computer skills and personal development
• Annual Volunteers Recognition Banquet
• Free health screenings
• Free skills training in volunteer work area

Note: Volunteers do not take the place of salaried staff at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Health System. Volunteer service is not intended in any way to lead to paid employment.