The Value of Volunteers

We are very appreciative of the men and women who contribute their time and energy to further our charitable mission.

Carle Foundation Hospital volunteers include 586 Auxiliary members, 150 university students, 50 high school students and 10 career development program participants.  Together, they donated more than 69,000 service hours in 2006 - which amounted to more than a $1 million in volunteer services.

The Auxiliary raises funds for specific Hospital projects through their work at the Hospital’s gift shop, coffee shop, Breezeway Express, Art of Entertaining fundraiser, jewelry sales and other activities. The Auxiliary volunteers also staff the information desks, deliver mail, distribute roses and patient handbooks to new patients, and volunteer at the Carle Arbours long-term care facility and the Carle Auxiliary Guest House. Volunteers discharge 50 to 60 patients a day by escorting patients in wheelchairs from the hospital floor to their transportation home.  This contribution to care lets nurses stay on the floor where patients need them most.

College students in the pre-med program at the University of Illinois work in clinical areas such as the Emergency Department, Operating Room and other hospital floors, providing an extra pair of hands to run errands, transport patients and answer call lights. High school students staff the hospital shops and deliver food to patients through Food Service's Dining Service program. High school career development program participants spend time with nurses or physicians one-on-one, depending on the student’s career plans.

Carle Foundation Hospital employees also volunteer for community projects and lend their expertise to local community boards and committees on company time.

Learn more about becoming a Carle volunteer.