Teen volunteer program relaunching at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Amid a shortage of volunteers, University of South Alabama’s Children’s & Women’s Hospital is looking forward to the relaunch of its teen volunteer program.

“I am very excited because this program has been a great program for the teens in our area and it’s something that we’ve missed,” said Ashley Peyer, Volunteer Services Manager At USA Health. “And we’re just real excited about how we’re getting back to normal and we’re able to just have this great opportunity for our teens because it’s an important thing for our community.”

According to USA Health, teen volunteers play a crucial role in supporting patients, visitors, and staff. The program is set to return this summer, with orientation kicking off late April and the program wrapping up at the end of July.

“They’ll get to serve .. in our treehouse where they’ll get to interact with our patients, play games and also possibly work the Ronald McDonald family room happy meals cart, which they’ll get to do some patient rounding and offer fun toys and things for our patients,” Peyer adds.

If you’re eager to get involved, here’s the scoop; applicants must be at least 16 years old and have finished their freshman year of high school. The hospital is only accepting 15 to 20 applicants and spots are filling up fast.

“They’ll be able to serve our Jolly Trolley cart at University Hospital in which they will be able to do some patient rounding, interact with our patients,” said Peyer. “And our cart we have things that our patients will really love like blankets and distraction kits, coloring sheets.”

Accepted volunteers will commit to dedicating 34 hours of service over the eight-week summer session, including attending a mandatory two-hour orientation. Volunteers will work a four-hour shift each week on the same day and time.

The deadline to apply has been extended to March 15. High school students in Mobile and Baldwin counties are encouraged to apply.