Memorial Hospital of Carbondale
Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Auxiliary
The Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Auxiliary (MHC Auxiliary) is dedicated to supporting the SIH mission by providing compassionate service to patients, families, and our healthcare team. Through fundraising and financial support, enhancing hospital services, volunteer efforts, and community outreach, the Auxiliary enhances patient care and fosters a welcoming environment. Our commitment is to make a positive impact on the hospital community and contribute to improving the health and well-being of all the people in the communities we serve.
If you're interested in joining the Auxiliary, please reach out to MHC Volunteer Services. Auxiliary membership dues are $10.00 per year, starting on April 1. Our annual membership meeting takes place in late summer each year. You will also receive our bi-annual newsletter.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale or the SIH Cancer Institute is a rewarding experience that allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients, their families, and our healthcare team. By offering your time and skills, you contribute to a supportive and caring environment, while also gaining valuable insights into the medical field and developing a sense of compassion and empathy. Volunteers who commit to a 3 to 4-hour shift per week will receive a complimentary meal and drink in the employee cafeteria (up to a $10.00 value), involvement in Volunteer Appreciation Week activities, and various gatherings throughout the year. Volunteers must undergo a TB test before starting their service and receive an annual flu vaccine.
Pink Geranium Gift Shop
The Pink Geranium Gift Shop (Pink G) at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale is owned by the hospital’s Auxiliary. The Pink G offers a diverse selection of gifts, fresh flowers, toiletries, engraving services, and food & beverage items. Volunteer duties include operating the cash register, processing phone orders, gift bag services, delivery to patients and staff, and providing excellent customer service. Two shifts are available weekdays, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Proceeds from the gift shop support the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, SIH Cancer Institute, other SIH Facilities, Scholarships, and other local organizations.
Beauty Within Boutique
The Beauty Within Boutique (BWB) at the SIH Cancer Institute is owned by the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Auxiliary. The BWB offers a diverse selection of gifts, toiletries, supplies for cancer patients, and food & beverage items. Volunteer duties include operating the cash register, gift bag services, delivery to patients and staff and, providing excellent customer service. One shift is available weekdays, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Proceeds from the gift shop support the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, SIH Cancer Institute, other SIH Facilities, Scholarships, and other local organizations.
Main Lobby Information Desk
Our front desk volunteers are the heart of our hospital, ensuring a warm and efficient atmosphere for patients and visitors. Their duties encompass greeting and assisting visitors, answering inquiries, delivering flowers and mail to patients, transporting individuals by wheelchair, providing directions, and assisting with various projects. Two shifts are available weekdays, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
Emergency Department Volunteers
Volunteers in the Emergency Department (ED) play a vital role in supporting both patients and our healthcare team. As an ED volunteer, your responsibilities include ensuring the comfort and engagement of patients and their families, restocking supplies in ED rooms, assisting the ED healthcare team as needed, providing directions, and transporting visitors to other areas of the hospital. Shifts are flexible and available 24/7, from Monday to Sunday. A one-year commitment is required.
Mother/Baby Department Cuddler
Our Baby Cuddler program is designed to provide comfort and care to our tiniest patients in the Special Care Nursery (SCN). As a volunteer cuddler, you will play a crucial role in the healing and development of newborns by offering them the warmth and security of the human touch. Cuddler duties encompass holding and comforting babies, assisting with feeding and diaper changes, stocking carts and cabinets, tidying the nursery unit, and folding laundry. Prospective Volunteer Cuddlers may need to complete a one-year commitment in another hospital volunteer role before transitioning to a cuddler position. Shift schedules can vary.
Pastoral Care Volunteers
As a Hospital Pastoral Care Volunteer, you will be essential in offering emotional and spiritual support to patients, their families, and our healthcare team. Your compassion and active listening can significantly impact the healing process. Volunteer responsibilities include providing a comforting presence, offering spiritual support, assisting in religious services, collaborating with the hospital chaplain and other healthcare professionals to meet patient needs, and maintaining confidentiality while upholding the dignity of all individuals. Shifts are flexible and available 24/7, from Monday to Sunday.
Blood Drives
American Red Cross Blood drives at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale and the SIH System Office are held every other month throughout the year. Volunteers assist with registration, serve refreshments, and escort donors.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Memorial Hospital of Carbondale offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to support patients, their families, and our healthcare team. To learn more about other volunteer opportunities and how you can make a meaningful impact, please contact our Volunteer Services Manager.
College Volunteers
The College Volunteer Program offers students the opportunity to volunteer in various hospital departments throughout the year.
Junior Volunteers
The Junior Volunteer Program offers teenagers the opportunity to volunteer in specific hospital departments during the summer. This program, designed for youth aged 14 to 17, runs from mid-June to mid-August.
For More Information or to return your volunteer application:
Paula Frisch, Manager of Volunteer Services
Memorial Hospital of Carbondale
405 W Jackson St | PO Box 3988 | Carbondale, IL 62901
618.549.0721 ext. 65108 | paula.frisch@sih.net.