Volunteers are a primary source of our organization's power to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Our volunteers range from professionals who devote specialized pro bono time to us to folks who have a couple extra hours to stuff envelopes. They are a dedicated, energetic group of hundreds and the engine that drives the important work of Children's Cancer Research Fund.
Thank You Callers
The Purpose: To call Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) donors to thank them for their recent contribution and past giving (if applicable).
The Position Description: The Volunteer would work in the CCRF office in Minneapolis 2-4 hours per week to telephone and thank donors. Space with a telephone, names of donors and telephone numbers will be provided. The Volunteer Caller will be trained to answer basic questions regarding CCRF practices and programs, and transfer complicated questions to the appropriate staff.
The Volunteer Caller will not be soliciting donations or services.
If you are intererested in this regular volunteer opportunity, please contact Judy Hawkinson, Vice President of Development, by email.
Care Partners
Care Partners is a one-of-a-kind program that, through volunteers, provides nonmedical support to patients and families who are receiving blood and marrow transplants and other treatments for cancer and blood-related disorders at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview.
** Please note: According to hospital policy, all volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Volunteers deliver support and encouragement to families who are under a tremendous amount of emotional, physical and financial stress.
Various opportunities are available for this emotional and rewarding experience, including:
- Family Volunteer – Family Volunteers are assigned to a family and work with that family throughout their entire course of treatment and stay in the Twin Cities area, which is at least 3 months. Volunteers offer friendship and support by helping the patient and family with non-medical needs, such as sitting with a patient so that a family member can take a break, transportation to and from the airport, picking up groceries or lending a listening ear.
Time Commitment: Volunteers are required to attend an eight-hour training and to commit to one year in the program. When working with a family, the time commitment can vary depending on the needs of the family as well as the volunteer’s availability, but weekly contact is expected. - Unit Volunteer – Unit Volunteers work a four-hour shift once a week on the hospital unit. Unit volunteers provide short-term breaks for parents and caregivers by staying with children, reading stories, playing games and watching movies. Volunteers may also assist with siblings and children of patients.
Time Commitment: Volunteers are required to attend a four-hour training and commit to one four-hour shift per week for at least one year. - Clinic Volunteer – Clinic volunteers work in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Outpatient Clinic and the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic where they provide and supervise art and craft projects to young patients and siblings. Weekday morning shifts available.
Time Commitment: Volunteers commit to one three-hour shift weekly or bi-weekly for at least one year. Appropriate training is provided.
Please fill out a volunteer information request to begin the application process to become a Care Partners volunteer.
If you have questions about Care Partners, please contact: Teresa Turner or Alex Thwaites