Wawa Volunteer Services

Wawa Volunteer Services is excited to announce the return of the Summer Volunteer Program for 2024! See below for more information and how to apply. Spots are limited, and applications are open for a limited time.

Wawa volunteer services logo It takes a team to heal a child, and hospital volunteers are an essential part of that effort. Whether playing with children during waiting times, greeting visitors or helping families find their way through the halls, the volunteers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) make a difference providing a special human connection that often eases the stress for patients and families going through difficult times.

 

CHOP assigns volunteer positions based on the current needs of the hospital along with the volunteer’s availability, interests and skill sets. Due to the high interest in CHOP’s volunteer programs, we strive to select compassionate, enthusiastic individuals who are committed to making a difference.

CHOP employees and contractors: If you're a current CHOP employee or contractor who's interested in volunteering, email us at Volunteers@CHOP.edu.

Volunteer Opportunities

We have an array of volunteer opportunities available to support patients, families, visitors, and staff throughout the CHOP network. Opportunities include staffing the Wawa Coffee and Care Cart, supporting the patient and family experience, or assisting our nursing and child life teams. Volunteer placements are based on the needs of the hospital. Applicants will learn more about these placements during the application process. Please see below to learn more about our volunteer programs and how to apply!

Traditional Volunteer Program

  • Volunteers are 18 years and older
  • One year commitment (12 consecutive months)
  • 3-4 hour fixed weekly shift (shifts are currently Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm, with limited evening and weekend shifts)
  • Volunteer positions are located at CHOP’s Philadelphia Campus and King of Prussia Campus.
  • Sign-up here to learn more and apply

College & Graduate Volunteer Program

  • Volunteers are enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or medical school program, and follow a semester-based schedule. Volunteer positions are located at CHOP’s Philadelphia Campus and King of Prussia Campus.
  • Volunteers must serve at least 2 consecutive Semesters (for example, Fall and Spring semesters, or Spring and Fall semesters with a Summer break).
  • Volunteers must be able to commit to a 4 hour fixed weekly shift (shifts are currently Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm).
  • Sign-up here to apply and attend one of our virtual information sessions to learn more.

Summer Volunteer Program

The CHOP 2024 Summer Volunteer program is a 10-week program for high school and college students ages 16 and over. Volunteers will be supporting with tasks such as greeting families and visitors, assisting with wayfinding, folding and delivering laundry to families, rounding with the Wawa Cart and other duties to serve patients and families.

Program Dates and Location: June 26, 2024 through August 30, 2024 at CHOP’s Philadelphia and King of Prussia campuses.

Time Commitment: Volunteer once per week for a 3-hour shift Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Requirements: All volunteers are required to complete an online application, a parent/guardian consent form if under 18 years old, a virtual group interview, and a series of background checks and a medical clearance. No exemptions can be made.

Orientation: Volunteers are required to attend an in-person orientation once accepted.

Application: Please click here for more information and to apply.

Questions? Please contact volunteers@chop.edu

Volunteer Requirements

For the safety of our patients and families, we require all volunteers to meet the health requirements and background checks listed below. We offer no exemptions. 

Required Health Clearances

CHOP Volunteer Services will provide applicants with instructions and will cover costs associated with these clearances through CHOP’s Occupational Health Office.

  1. COVID-19 vaccination
  2. Flu vaccination during flu season (September-April)
  3. Proof of immunity (vaccination, immunization record, or titer bloodwork)
    • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
    • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
  4. TB screening

Required Clearances

CHOP Volunteer Services will provide applicants with instructions and will cover costs associated with these background checks through our vendor, Sterling. These background checks must be completed through our background check vendor, Sterling.

To be considered for the volunteer program applicants will need to complete the required Pennsylvania background checks to volunteer with children. These clearances include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • PA Child Abuse History Clearance
  • PA State Police Criminal Clearance
  • FBI Fingerprinting Clearance 

Pet Therapy Volunteer Program

For adults interested in volunteering with their registered canine, visit the Gerald B. Shreiber Pet Therapy Program for information. Please note, pet therapy volunteers must be available once per month.

Other ways to support CHOP

Interested in knowing all the ways you could support CHOP? Learn about how you can make a difference in our care for patients and their families:

Contact

Contact us: 215-590-1093 and volunteers@chop.edu.


Next Steps