Wanted: Volunteers seeking rewarding experiences

Dot Van Burkleo had some free time on her hands and wanted to spend it in a worthwhile way. After seeing an ad in the newspaper, she attended a meeting of the Auxiliary to Driscoll Children's Hospital. Three and a half years later, Van Burkleo looks forward to her weekly shifts as a volunteer at the hospital.

"Knowing that I have a part in helping the patients and their families to have a better stay while they are hospitalized is the most rewarding part about volunteering at Driscoll," she said. "An added bonus is the fun and fellowship shared by the volunteers."

Driscoll is looking for more volunteers like Van Burkleo. The qualifications are simple and the rewards are great. Candidates should be compassionate, dependable, willing to work a regular shift and have a can-do attitude. An ideal volunteer at Driscoll can communicate well and demonstrate empathy.

"We're looking for people who are able to recognize other people's needs and look for ways to meet those needs as a result of training and your own life experiences," said Lizette Saenz, director of Volunteer Services at Driscoll.

Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of four hours weekly for at least six months. There are a multitude of duties that volunteers are needed for, such as providing customer service in the gift shop, assisting visitors at the welcome center, distributing toys to patients, stocking the Half Pint Library, operating a cash register in the Cottage Shop and, with additional training, working directly with children.

Volunteers at Driscoll not only experience the reward of making a difference in the lives of children, they also relish the new challenges and social activities.

"They really enjoy making new and lasting friendships with the hospital staff and their fellow volunteers," Saenz said.

Dot Van Burkleo agrees. She said Driscoll is a wonderful place to spend a few hours each week.
"The patients, employees and other volunteers make it a most satisfying experience."

If you would like to become a valued part of Driscoll's volunteer team, you can obtain an application by calling the Volunteer Services Department at (361) 694-5011, pick one up at the hospital's welcome center or view more information and download an application from the web site by clicking HERE.