Volunteering
Volunteer Spotlight
Charlotte Rippel
Pet Visitation Volunteer
Charlotte Rippel disliked dogs with a passion: “My philosophy was dogs poop, pee and destroy things—why would you want one?” explained the elementary school teacher. But when someone was giving away a year-old cocker spaniel, the committed dog-hater took the animal home—to the overwhelming shock of her husband. Named “Copper,” the 28 lb. dog quickly became a much-loved and important part of his new owner’s life—and when Charlotte became a pet visitation volunteer at St. Jude Medical Center, he began winning the hearts of hundreds of patients as well. Upon hearing she is a volunteer, the first reaction of friends and acquaintances is often: Isn’t it depressing to visit people in the hospital? But Charlotte says the exact opposite is true. “I come away feeling so uplifted,” explains Charlotte, a two-year veteran of the pet visitation program. “Copper and I love going to the hospital—we look forward to it all week.”
Become a Hospital Volunteer
Volunteers are a vital part of St. Jude Medical Center. We have nearly 800 volunteers throughout the year, ranging in age from 15 to over 90. Some of our volunteers have direct interaction with patients, while others provide invaluable assistance in support areas or with special projects.
You’ll meet our volunteers helping out in a variety of places, including nursing units, support departments, Knott Family Endoscopy Center, St. Jude Medical Plaza, St. Jude Centers for Rehabilitation and Wellness, and more.
Three separate groups support the hospital’s commitment to superior and compassionate medical care:
Student Volunteers (high school and college students) provide support to patients, visitors and staff, from the nursing units to the information desks. The minimum age requirement is 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. Please Note: The high school and college student volunteer program is currently full. We anticipate our next open orientation to be held in early 2013. If you have any questions, please call (714) 992-3000, ext. 2878.
Guild Members provide support to patients, visitors and staff, from the nursing units to the information desks, as well as support the St. Jude Gift Shop.
Resource Volunteers—adults who work or have limited time—give service through our Spiritual Care Department serving as Eucharistic Ministers; certified Pet Visitation volunteers; Cancer Center Library volunteers and other volunteer opportunities as available.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities and orientation information, please click here to e-mail our Volunteer Services Department or call us at (714) 992-3000, ext. 2878.
St. Jude Medical Center and St. Jude Memorial Foundation in Fullerton, California, are not associated with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
