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Volunteer opportunities to support St. Jude

Thank you for your interest in becoming a St. Jude volunteer. When you volunteer for charities like St. Jude, you help make a lasting impact for children with pediatric cancer around the world. Learn more about upcoming opportunities and stay connected by registering to become a volunteer below.

Register to Volunteer

 
St. Jude volunteers cheering on participants.
 
 

Explore volunteer opportunities

 
St. Jude volunteers giving information to event participant.

Event support

From running the registration desk to greeting people at the door, there are plenty of opportunities to support our fundraising events.

 
St. Jude volunteers calling supporters on the phone.

Donor relations

Help us fundraise for St. Jude by contacting donors by phone, email or mail and thanking them for supporting our lifesaving mission.

 
ALSAC volunteers meeting in a conference room.

Office and administration

Write letters, enter data and help coordinate volunteers – in-person or wherever you are.

 
 
Woman with daughter creating an online fundraiser.

Virtual volunteering opportunities

Use digital channels to serve our mission by cheering on fundraisers across the U.S. through social media, or do volunteer work from home to support local office efforts.

 
A hopsital volunteer works with a patient

On-campus volunteer opportunities

Become a volunteer for St. Jude and provide support for our staff and patient families. Explore individual opportunities like working in the Child Life Medical playroom and with the St. Jude Happy Cart. 

 
 
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Interested in volunteering for any of these roles?

Register to get notified when these opportunities become available. Or contact your regional office for more information on volunteer opportunities. 

 
 

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Volunteer during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and you can support St. Jude by volunteering at the St. Jude Walk/Run. There are plenty of opportunities in your community to support St. Jude kids, from joining your local event committee to volunteering on the day of the event. This event has great opportunities for volunteers of all ages and group sizes. Volunteer roles will vary by the location of the event. Most events need big groups to help with registration, cheer stations, set-up and tear down, hospitality areas and more.

St. Jude Walk/Run is a nationwide 5K hybrid event, taking place both in-person and virtually.  Sign up to volunteer today for the St. Jude Walk/Run happening in your area. Click “Register” on the St. Jude Walk/Run page and look for the volunteer registration information. 

Volunteer for the St. Jude Walk/Run

 
Volunteers holding signs at St. Jude Walk/Run in New York City.
 
 
ESA volunteers holding sign in front of hospital entrance.
 

GROUP VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Epsilon Sigma Alpha

Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) International, founded in 1929, is one of the world’s most distinctive leadership service organizations. 

Since adopting St. Jude as its international philanthropic project in 1972, ESA has helped raise more than $300 million in cash and pledges.

The vast network of ESA collegiate and community members are among our most dedicated and hardworking volunteers and fundraisers — donating their time and talent while participating in thousands of fundraising events across the country. Join Epsilon Sigma Alpha International in supporting St. Jude today. 

Donate Now Get Involved

 
 

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK APPRECIATION:

A Message From Martin Hand

St. Jude founder Danny Thomas once said, “There is no kinder act than helping someone less fortunate than yourself.”

Your willingness to use your gifts and abilities has strengthened the St. Jude mission. Volunteers bring great creativity, joy and passion. During National Volunteer Week, we would like to express our gratitude for the meaningful work you do as an ALSAC volunteer. Thank you for the selfless and esteemed work you do. Your dedication is essential to help further the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®

-Martin Hand, Chief Donor Officer, ALSAC

 
Martin Hand, ALSAC Chief Donor Officer.

Martin Hand, Chief Donor Officer 

 
 
Volunteer crew members wearing red polo monogrammed crew polos.
 

JOIN THE ST. JUDE CREW

The St. Jude Crew is a dedicated group of volunteers in markets across the United States that supports in area volunteer needs and efforts in a variety of roles. Volunteers sign up and commit to supporting St. Jude/ALSAC events throughout the year. Volunteers are responsible for participating serving 24 hours throughout one year from their sign-up date. The group is trained and recognized annually, maximizing resources and fostering unity within the local volunteer community. 

The crew engages volunteers in a new way. Volunteers have access to exclusive merchandise, such as crew T-shirts and official lanyards, national and local recognition opportunities and special crew events. Crew volunteers also receive early access to sign up to serve at events in their area, giving them a chance to volunteer at some of our premier events. Being part of this crew provides a unique experience for you to build deeper connections with one another and the St. Jude mission. 

To sign up to be part of the crew, create your volunteer profile in the volunteer management system and look for opportunities in your area.

Join the St. Jude Volunteer Crew

 
 

Join ALSAC/St. Jude volunteers on Facebook

The purpose of this group is to create a robust virtual volunteer community where members learn, share and collaborate to help support the St. Jude mission.

About our online community:

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought on a time of social distancing and isolation, there was a strong need for communication and connection among our volunteers. To address this need, ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, launched a Facebook group called ALSAC/St. Jude Volunteers

The community launched on Sept. 15, 2020, and since then, membership has grown to almost 1,000 members. Learn more about the group.

Join our Facebook Group

 
 
St. Jude volunteer Franky.

St. Jude volunteer Franky

 

Why volunteer?

Volunteers around the country, on average, spend 50 hours per year donating their time to the greater good. Studies have shown that volunteerism improves health by strengthening the body, improving mood and lessening stress. Additionally, volunteering can increase self-esteem, enhance various skills and expand career paths.

Source: VolunteerHub

 
 

St. Jude founder Danny Thomas said, “All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don’t discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” 

Volunteers bring new and exciting ideas, positive energy, commitment and passion. During National Volunteer Week, we would like to express our gratitude for the priceless work you do as a St. Jude volunteer. Your dedication is essential to the work we do. Thank you for the immeasurable and important work you have done and continue to do for the children of St. Jude.  You are essential to help further the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®

- Chris Boysen, Senior Vice President, ALSAC/St. Jude

 

Volunteers contribute by being the warm hands over the hearts of each St. Jude patient, parent, doctor, nurse and staff member.  We believe in the mission of St. Jude.

St. Jude volunteer, Marlene, Miami

 
 

Let's make a difference. Together.

St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

Volunteers come from all walks of life and live all over the country, donating their time and talents to support St. Jude. Please consider volunteering to help us continue our lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

Register to Volunteer Get Involved

 
St. Jude patient Kaitlyn.

St. Jude patient Kaitlyn

 
 

Other ways to support St. Jude

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of our generous donors and volunteers to keep advancing in our mission. There are several ways you can support the children of St. Jude. You might be interested in:

Donate Now Donate Monthly

 
 

You may also be interested in:

 
 

What is ALSAC?
American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) was founded by Danny Thomas in 1957 to be the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and its sole mission is to raise the funds and awareness necessary to operate and maintain the hospital. In the years ahead, an estimated 87% of the funds necessary to sustain and grow St. Jude must be raised by ALSAC from generous donors. 

Why should I volunteer?
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.

Are there multi-lingual volunteer opportunities available?
Yes, multi-lingual volunteer opportunities will be specified in the volunteer role as applicable.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?
We welcome volunteers of any age; however, volunteers under the age of 18 must have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. A volunteer under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  If individuals under the age of 18 are volunteering as a group, they must have at least one adult chaperone for every 5 youth volunteers. 

Do I need any volunteer experience?
Volunteer experience is not required although certain positions may require a specific skillset to complete, which will be noted on the role description.

Do I need a background check to volunteer?
Some volunteer roles will require a background check. Screening requirements will be indicated in the role description. Background checks may include criminal history, social security number verification and sex offender registry review, as well as licensure and motor vehicle record if appropriate to the position.  If you are under the age of 18: Parental/guardian consent is requested in lieu of a background check, which is not required for those under the age of 18.

How do I choose which volunteer opportunity is right for me?
Volunteers should use the Volunteer Portal to find available opportunities that comfortably fit their skillset and interests.

When are your volunteer opportunities?
We have various volunteer shifts that occur throughout the year to suit your availability.

Where are volunteer opportunities located?
We have an extensive list of volunteer opportunities that occur throughout the year around the country. Please refer to the Volunteer Portal for opportunity locations.

Can I receive service hours for volunteering?
Yes, you may receive service hours for volunteering your time.  The volunteer lead at the event will be glad to sign off on your hour log once you have completed your shift. Your profile within the Volunteer Portal will track hours.

Is there volunteer orientation?
Yes, orientation will be provided as needed.

 

Do I have to complete training to volunteer?
Some volunteer roles require pre-service and/or on-going training. Any required training must be completed to serve.

What if I cannot attend the scheduled orientation/training?
Any required training must be completed to in order to serve.

What is the time commitment required to volunteer?
Certain positions have a time commitment, depending on the opportunity. The time commitment will be specified in the role description.

How can I volunteer at the hospital?
To volunteer at the hospital, visit this link. If you are interested in volunteering locally in support of the kids of St. Jude, there are local opportunities available through the Volunteer Portal.

Will I be able to interact with patients as a volunteer?
The St. Jude mission has many different facets and while patients interaction is a possibility, it is not always a given.

Are there opportunities for large groups to volunteer?
Yes, if you are looking to do a service project with a community group, church, or team there are many opportunities to give your time. Each group member must register through the Volunteer Portal individually. Individuals under the age of 18 volunteering as a group must have at least one adult chaperone for every 5 youth volunteers. 

For specific questions who do I contact?
For specific opportunity questions, reach out to the contact listed on the opportunity within the Volunteer Portal.  For all other inquiries, email us.

Will I be provided a meal/snack?
Based on the length of the shift, some volunteer opportunities may be provided with a meal/snack. You will be notified by confirmation email from your coordinator in advance if there will be a meal/snack. Refer to your volunteer profile for details.

What should I wear?
Recommended attire will be listed in the role description of the volunteer opportunity you register for.

How early should I arrive?
Prior to your shift, you will receive an email confirmation from the volunteer lead with information on when to arrive. For some volunteer roles, you may need to arrive as early as one hour prior to the shift.

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