Volunteer
It takes only a small amount of time to make a big difference in a child's life. Children’s National volunteers serve in a variety of ways to assist patients and family members during their hospital visit. Whether they’re spending time playing at a patient’s bedside, delivering flowers, sorting donations, filing paperwork or helping people find their way around the hospital, our volunteers play a critical role in setting the standards of excellence in a health care setting.
Our volunteer program also manages Dr. Bear’s Closet, which is full of donated toys, games, books and personal care items for children and their families. Donating to Dr. Bear’s Closet is a great way to give back and make a lasting impact on a child’s visit to the hospital. Visit the Dr. Bear’s Closet page to view our 2019 Holiday Wish List and guidelines for making a donation to Children’s National this holiday season!
There’s no better feeling than knowing that you have helped ease what can be a trying time for patients and their families. Please take a look at our opportunities, along with the program-specific commitments, to see what might be the best fit for you!
Patient Care Volunteers, ages 18+, are asked to make at least a one-year, 100-hour commitment. Applications will be available Jul. 1, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020.
Dr. Bear’s Ambassadors, ages 15+, are asked to make at least a six-month, 50-hour commitment. Applications will be available Aug. 1, 2019 and Dec. 1, 2019.
Volunteer Greeters help welcome families, patients and visitors to our hospital with friendly smiles and fun stickers, and assist with wayfinding. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
High school students are welcome to apply to the summer volunteer program at Children's National. Applications will be available Feb.1, 2020.
We're seeking dedicated volunteers and their canine companions to provide our patients with emotional support, and to make their hospital stay feel more like home. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Our Child Life Volunteer program allows volunteers to report directly to a certified Child Life Specialist. Volunteers must be ages 18+ and are asked to make a 100-hour commitment. Learn more about how to apply.
Patient playdates, inpatient units rounds and other activities are just a few options when volunteering as a group with Children's National.
Donations are an important of what we do in Volunteer Services. You can help our patients by donating toys, clothing and books to make their hospital stay feel a little more like home. You can also provide monetary donations to help out.
We accept books, toys, clothing, gift cards and monetary donations for our Dr. Bear’s Closet. Donate today!