For More Information about the Volunteer Services call 804-828-0922


What do Volunteers do at VCU Health System (VCUHS)?

As a volunteer, you come with your own skills, interests, and motivations. The Volunteer Services staff will help you decide what volunteer position will be the best fit for you.

At VCUHS, volunteers:
  • deliver flowers and mail to the patients,
  • read to children,
  • calm nervous families of patients receiving emergency treatments or having surgery,
  • visit patients,
  • work in the Three Bears Gift Shop,
  • assist in the clinics,
  • help patients and families get educational materials in the library at Massey Cancer Center,
  • assist patients and staff at the Stony Point and Hayes E. Willis Clinics,
  • participate in activities sponsored by the MCVH Auxiliary such as the annual recognition luncheon and fundraising events.

Other Ways to Make Caring Visible

Some of our volunteers never come to VCUHS. There are other ways to help patients and staff than those already outlined. We have volunteers who knit layettes and crochet baby caps and blankets. Some make hats for patients undergoing cancer treatments. Scout troops and Sunday school classes have brought in season tray favors and cards that the children have made. Other groups collect new children's books for the pediatric clinics. The community generously remembers VCUHS patients at holiday time. Please call our office if your group might like to take on a project at (804) 828-0922.

VCU Health System's Junior Volunteer Program

Each summer, Volunteer Services holds two 3-week volunteer sessions for teenagers, ages 14-18. The purpose of this program is to provide career information about healthcare professions and also to allow students to volunteer in a hospital setting. The students are given an orientation to working in a hospital as well as a tour of the MCV campus. Applications for the Junior Volunter Program are available in January and are due back to our office by April 1.

The MCVH Auxiliary of VCU

All VCU Health System Volunteers are automatically members of the MCVH Auxiliary. The Auxiliary sponsors fundraising activities to help the hospital, the staff, and the patients. Each year, the Auxiliary gives grants to hospital departments to start new programs or to buy special equipment. Funds are raised through the Three Bears Gift Shop, the Espresso Coffee Shop, and the flower machine. The Auxiliary sponsors jewelry and uniform sales throughout the year. At holiday time, the Auxiliary sponsors the Love Light Tree - a chance for donors to remember a loved one in a special way that benefits the hospital. The Auxiliary welcomes new volunteers and has meetings throughout the year to provide fellowship and education for the members.

Benefits of Become a Volunteer at VCU Health System

Besides knowing that you are truly helping our patients and staff with the gift of your time and energy, you will get:
  • Free parking in the Patient and Visitor Deck,
  • Free meal on the day of service,
  • Free health screening and TB test upon joining and then annually,
  • Free flu shot each fall,
  • Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon,
  • Educational opportunities.


Date Last Modified: March 07, 2008
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1200 E. Broad Street, PO Box 980317, Richmond, VA 23298
VCU Health System Information (804) 828-9000
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