Volunteer

Individuals

More than 100 volunteers help provide TLC to HUGS children. Volunteers are the lifeline of HUGS. It is through their tireless dedication that HUGS is able to continue serving Hawaii's seriously ill children and their families. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Respites - Watch and play with children at the HUGS house in Kaimuki. Respite services are offered twice a month on Friday evenings.
• Dinner - Assist with a variety of activities at the family dinners, including set-up and clean-up and playing with children.
• Laughter Wagon - Visit pediatric wards of local hospitals to watch and play with children. Must be 14 years of age.
• Office Support - Assist staff with phone calls, computer work, birthday cards, newsletters and mailings.
• Special Events & Recreational Outings - Assist with special outings, e.g. to the Aquarium Zoo or Sea Life Park.

Individuals that would like to volunteer for HUGS must complete the following:

• Volunteer Application: Click here to download the application Please print and fill in the application and mail it to HUGS or fax it to us at (808) 732-4881.
  • Parental permission and school reference form if under the age of 18 years
  • Background and reference checks are required for persons over the age of 18
• Volunteer Orientation: An orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator is required to discuss placement and programs.
• Commitment - We ask that when you volunteer at HUGS, you make a three to six months commitment. We also ask that you always maintain confidentially and display non-judgmental behavior when interacting with families and other volunteers.
• Volunteer Training - Volunteer Training is held on a quarterly basis. Training is mandatory for all volunteers except for office support. Training will cover: Psycho-social aspects of dealing with the loss of a child, Volunteer boundaries and communication, HUGS Volunteer's experiences and HUGS parent's perspective.
• Medical Requirements - We also ask that you have a current tuberculosis screening. For a list of suggested TB Skin Test Sites please click here. A tuberculosis test is required at the time of Community Service Orientation.