Kay Kafe Companions support Food Services and enhance the patient experience by assisting families during lunch inside the hospital’s cafeteria, the Kay Kafe. These volunteers act as a general Kafé helper, greeting families as they enter, offering new families a tour, and providing education on cafeteria layout and service. These volunteers may carry food from stations to the cashier and/or dining room tables; offer highchairs, napkins, condiments, etc.
They also facilitate any special orders or requests families may have to the cooks, and they can locate appropriate staff to answer any questions families may have. Additional roles may include assembling patient snack bags and helping inside the bakery during the beginning or end of each shift.
Requirements
The Kay Kafe Companion volunteer position requires the physical ability to withstand long periods of walking, standing and the ability to carry trays up to 15 pounds. These volunteers should be comfortable with patient and family contact, be a positive, friendly and be a service-oriented person.
Kay Kafe Companion volunteers must follow infection control and food service standards, including wearing a hair net or hat at times as needed. And all St. Jude volunteers should recognize and respect the multi-cultural needs of our patients and their families.
Kay Kafe volunteers are needed for a three hours per shift each week at a regularly scheduled time between 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Two volunteers are scheduled for most lunch shifts and volunteers work as a team to meet the needs of the families.
Review our volunteer eligibility requirements and application process >>
Being able to bring a smile to the face of a child in pain or a weary, yet hopeful, parent is my goal. It is a joy to see the St. Jude community work together to make it all work seamlessly. I am glad to have been a part of it all.
Bridget Beckley
Former Helping Hands Volunteer
Read Bridget's story >>