Compassion When Needed Most

We promise "great rewards" to the unselfish individual who comes to CHKD with a desire to help. That's because we believe no reward is greater than the satisfying feeling you get when you labor unselfishly for others, especially for sick children. Whatever your need, we'll try to match it to ours. We can help you give the greatest gift of all. All you need to do is spare a little time and share a little of yourself.

Program Requirements

Please carefully review the CHKD volunteer program requirements prior to applying. If you have specific questions concerning the program, you may reach us at (757) 668-7195 or Volunteer.Services@chkd.org.

  • The CHKD volunteer program requires an individual commitment. We do not offer group volunteer opportunities.
  • The application process includes a personal interview, criminal background investigation, submission of personal health records and successful completion of volunteer orientation(s). Please note that CHKD does not accept volunteers for court mandated volunteer hours. In addition, CHKD has a nicotine free hiring and volunteering policy and mandatory influenza vaccination policy during flu season.
  • Volunteers agree to maintain a regular schedule of at least four shifts per month.
  • Volunteers agree to a minimum commitment level of 60 hours of volunteer services before separating from the program. This typically takes approximately six months.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volounteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are endless at CHKD. We offer a variety of volunteer experiences based on your personal interests. Our volunteers commit to a consistent and ongoing schedule. If you have special talents, please let us know. We are always interested in developing new services. 

Steps to Becoming a CHKD Volunteer

Because we place the utmost importance on the safety and health of our patients, becoming a volunteer is a series of “steps.”

Step One: Apply. Please fill out the online application by clicking on the “Apply Now” button. SUMMER TEEN APPLICANTS - DO NOT APPLY HERE. This application is for adult volunteer applicants only.

Apply Now

Step Two: Contact volunteer services at (757) 668-7195 to schedule your personal interview. Interviews are conducted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Step Three: Gather any of the following personal health information listed below and bring it with you to your personal interview. If you do not have the required immunization records your options for obtaining either the records or the immunizations will be discussed with you at the time of the interview. Please do not incur any costs associated with these requirements prior to your interview and acceptance into the program.

  • Proof of two (2) MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella) immunizations since birth or lab work indicating immunity to MMR. Applicants born prior to 1957 may be exempt from this requirement. If you do not have access to this record, we will discuss your options at your interview.
  • Verification of immunity or history of chicken pox (varicella) to include either documentation of two varicella vaccines, lab work showing immunity to varicella, documentation of shingles vaccination or verbal history of disease prior to 1984 with acceptable completion of Evidence of Immunity to Varicella Worksheet. Again, your options can be discussed at your interview.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) testing and/or screening will depend on your assignment. If you have TB skin test (PPD) results or blood titer results from within the past year, please bring those records with you to your interview. If you do not have current records, your options will be discussed at your interview. Volunteers with direct patient contact must meet a 2-step PPD testing requirement. Volunteers without patient contact will be screened for exposure through a TB Risk Assessment form. All volunteers will complete an annual TB Risk Assessment survey annually. If you have previously tested positive during TB testing, please bring the results of your most recent chest X-ray.

Next Steps: Based on the interview and the hospital's current volunteer needs, you may be accepted and asked to complete an online background/security clearance. Your portion of the cost of this screening is $9.99.

The next step will be to complete an online general volunteer orientation. Uniforms are purchased through CHKD for $15.

After completing the application, screening, orientation process, and providing required health information, you will be ready to start as a scheduled volunteer. Additional training will be provided by the unit/department in which you volunteer.

Please note that CHKD does not accept volunteers for court mandated volunteer hours. In addition, CHKD has a nicotine free hiring and volunteering policy.

We appreciate your interest in sharing a little of your time with our patients and staff at CHKD.

Junior Volunteer program

Teenagers who are at least 15 years old by May 31 and still in high school can apply for our Summer  Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are accepted in March and and are accepted until the program is full.

Contact Volunteer Services

For additional information on volunteering at CHKD please call us at (757) 668-7195 or email us at volserv@chkd.org. If you are interested in the Junior Volunteers program, please call in March for more information.