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Volunteer

Sometimes the most important gift we can give is our time. By volunteering at one or several of our hospitals and organizations, you’re making an impact in your community — and letting our community make an impact on you.
Portrait of Care at Home volunteer, Thomas Murphey, in front of a home with an American flag.

You power our purpose

All you need is a little bit of time and the drive to make a difference. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, experiences and skill sets. We have a place for everyone looking to volunteer: hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, special projects and fundraising events.

Simply commit to sharing your time, and we’ll provide any necessary training for your perfect role, including:  

  • Assisting in the emergency department
  • Assisting with discharges
  • Escorting patients  
  • Offering smiles and support in our gift shops and cafeterias
  • Providing wayfinding assistance through our ambassador program
  • Visiting with patients and families 
  • Providing respite and companionship during end-of-life
  • Packing groceries for those in need
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How to volunteer

Carefully read the instructions for how to give to each hospital of your choosing.

Care at Home

Senior care + hospice volunteer opportunities

Hospice care offers many meaningful volunteer opportunities to support our patients and their families. Call us at 978.552.4522 for more information. Examples of volunteer opportunities include:

  • Activities with children  
  • Bereavement services support
  • Energy medicine (i.e. Reiki)
  • Hairdressing
  • Licensed massage therapy
  • Light housekeeping
  • Living Legacy program support
  • Patient companionship
  • Pet therapy
  • Respite for family and caregivers
  • Sewing keepsakes
  • Singing with the Threshold Singers
  • Spiritual support
  • Veterans program support
  • Vigil services

Many volunteers work in private homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire and at High Pointe House.  

Others give their time and talent helping in the administrative offices, on special projects or assisting at fundraising events. Volunteers receive specialized training and ongoing education, much like our clinical staff, as they are critical members of the our team.

Volunteer criteria

Volunteers have a variety of backgrounds and experiences while meeting criteria to serve in the healthcare sector. All hospice volunteers must:

  • Be at least 15 years old.Complete an application and interview.
  • Complete 6-week volunteer training and an initial 2-step TB test or provide documentation of TB test or chest x-ray.
  • During flu season, documentation of flu vaccine or approved exemption (medical or religious) must be provided.
  • Provide references, complete a criminal background check and agree to and sign a confidentiality statement.

Please note: Training and TB testing aren’t required for volunteers who exclusively assist with administrative support and special events, but may be required for other volunteer positions.

How to apply

Lowell General Hospital

Volunteer opportunities

Lowell General has 3 volunteer tracks focused on long-term opportunities in healthcare. This approach allows volunteers to build relationships with staff, learn about different careers in healthcare and finish the program with an enriching experience that lasts a lifetime. We don’t offer summer or shadow programs.

We’re so proud of the giving spirit within our community. At the same time, we may not be able to secure a volunteer opportunity with every person who applies. Rest assured, applications remain active for 3 months, so we’ll contact you if we find a match for you within that time and you are welcome to reapply if you don't hear from us after those 3 months are up.

If you’re among the candidates who best meet our requirements, we’ll coordinate an interview with you via email or phone. 

Above all, volunteers must comply with our medical clearance and criminal background check and attend an orientation.


Apply here

To contact the volunteer department, please get in touch with a team member:

Kacey Decker, Manager of Volunteer Services
E: Kacey.Decker@TuftsMedicine.org
P: 978.788.7330 (x87330)

Vivian Tran, Volunteer Services Coordinator
E: Vivian.Tran@TuftsMedicine.org
P: 978.937.6280 (x76280)

Junior volunteers

For students who are 16–18 years old and currently attending high school, this track requires a commitment of:

  • 100 hours of service per 1year minimum
  • Weekday positions after school from 3–6 pm or 4–7 pm

Apply here

College student volunteers

This volunteer track is for college students pursuing a medically-related career and have completed at least one semester of classes. Through our college student volunteer track, you’ll experience first-hand interactions with medical, nursing, and ancillary staff as well as patients, families and visitors.

This track requires a commitment of:

  • A 3-hour shift once per week for a minimum of 75 hours of service.
  • Six consecutive months of service (we don’t accept students who can only commit to the summer months).

Apply here

Adult volunteers

At Lowell General, adult volunteers serve in a wide variety of roles and provide essential assistance to patients, employees and visitors. Whether you’re a retired adult with a flexible schedule or a working adult with specific hours to give, we’ll work to find a position that matches your skills, interests and availability.

For adults, this track requires a commitment of a:

  • 4-hour shift once per week
  • Minimum of 100 hours of service

Apply here

College internship opportunities

Different from our college student track, we invite students to volunteer in a range of roles within our non-clinical departments. We only have a handful of helping opportunities available at this time, so please read the volunteer criteria below to ensure you’re an eligible match: 

  • Student applicants must be currently enrolled in a 4-year accredited college or university in a relevant course of study. 
  • Preference will be given to students with 60 or more college credits.
  • Proof of updated immunizations, TB test, flu vaccine and completed CORI (exception with existing school affiliation agreements in place)
  • Hospital competency test is required.

For more information, please contact us at 978.788.7330 or send an email to kacey.decker@tuftsmedicine.org.

Volunteer with the Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary

The Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary needs volunteers for a variety of Auxiliary events throughout the year. To get involved, or to learn more information, call 978.937.6696.

MelroseWakefield Hospital

Adult + teen volunteers

We always seek positive, responsible and respectful people to join our volunteer team. You’ll feel right at home volunteering with us if you enjoy working with the general public and have good customer service skills.

Volunteer opportunities at MelroseWakefield vary depending on your skills, interests and departmental needs. There are numerous departments where volunteers are needed, including administrative support, gift shop, cafe, pet therapy, music therapy, pastoral care and more.

Criteria for becoming a volunteer with MelroseWakefield include: 

  • Being at least 15 years of age to apply
  • Completing a minimum of 46 hours of service over 12 months
  • Completing a CORI before starting your assignment
  • Providing immunization records confirming immunity to chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella
  • Proof of current flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines are required

Begin your volunteer journey by completing your adult application or teen application.

If we invite you for an interview and you are a good fit for our current positions, you’ll be offered a volunteer assignment and training.

Mobile Food Market in Malden

Join The Mobile Food Market every second Saturday of the month and help provide free food to people in our community who need it the most. We need your assistance from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 239 Commercial Street in Malden to pack the donated food into bags that will be distributed to those in need. This event can make a real difference in our local communities. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as you'll be working outside, regardless of the conditions.

To volunteer or for more information, please contact Kristen Giuliani, RD, at kristen.a.giuliani@tuftsmedicine.org or 781.338.7576.

Tufts Medical Center

2024 High School Summer Program

Our 2024 program will be a 10-week program from June 26 – August 31 and provides an opportunity for high school students to gain experience working in a hospital setting. Our high school summer program volunteers fill roles such as lobby ambassadors, supporting patients and visitors, and providing clinical support throughout the hospital. To be considered, you must:

  • Be 16 years old or older by June 15, 2024
  • Complete a 500-word essay on “Why you would like to volunteer at Tufts Medical Center” (please note that applications without an essay will not be considered)
  • Provide the days and times you are available and can commit to showing up when scheduled
  • Commit to 2 four-hour shifts per week for the entire 10-week program
  • Not miss more than 2 missed shifts (if time off is needed, you are required to notify the volunteer services and your department manager at least 7 days prior)  
  • Attend a mandatory in-person orientation at Tufts Medical Center on Saturday, June 15
  • Meet all employee health requirements, including the COVID-19 vaccine (please note that employee health must clear you before Friday, June 14)  
  • Purchase a volunteer shirt for $10

We will review your application and invite those who qualify to conduct group interviews in the last week of March.  

We expect volunteers to make a commitment to us for the entire summer. If you are unable to commit to 2 four-hour shifts per week (no more than 2 missed shifts, and even then, you must notify volunteer services and your department manager at least 7 days before).  

Before you apply, please consider if you can truly make this commitment and discuss summer plans with your family to avoid conflicts (including vacations, travel, camps, summer classes, sports, driver’s ed. classes, summer jobs, college tours, etc.).

Please complete the High School Volunteer Application Form to apply.

College volunteers

College volunteers are asked to commit to at least one shift per week and at least 12 months of service. Please complete the College Volunteer Application Form to apply for summer or fall volunteer opportunities.

Adult volunteers

Adult volunteers are asked to commit to at least one shift per week and at least 12 months of service. Please submit an application online or contact us at 617.636.1377 Monday through Friday for more information.

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FAQs

Does every applicant automatically get a volunteer position?

No, we unfortunately cannot place every single applicant in a volunteer position due to a high volume of applicants and thorough screening processes.

How long does it take to become a volunteer?

Your first step to becoming a volunteer is to decide where you want to volunteer and how.  Once interviewed and accepted into a volunteer program, it may take upwards of an additional 45 days to begin.

Can I volunteer for the summer months only?

No, we don’t accept volunteers for our summer months only. Instead, we focus on longer commitments where we can offer each volunteer a more enriching experience while building relationships within each hospital.

Can I do a job shadow?

Unfortunately, we don’t offer observational job shadows.

May teenagers volunteer?

Each hospital has different age requirements for volunteers; some allow starting at 15, while others require waiting until 16.

Can I do my school required community service at one of the hospitals?

Yes, you may request school-mandated community service hours in your volunteer application. Keep in mind, you must meet a minimum hourly commitment before we can document your proof of service hours.

May I volunteer more than one shift per week or longer than the minimum total requirement?

This depends on how and where you’re volunteering. If you’re consistent with your attendance and still interested in volunteering more hours, please talk about adding more hours with our staff.

What medical information will I need to show to be a volunteer?

All new volunteers will be informed about our medical clearance process. You’ll be asked to provide documentation including your: 

  • COVID-19 vaccination card (all volunteers must be fully vaccinated)
  • Flu vaccine during the flu (winter) season
  • History of chickenpox
  • MMR vaccinations
  • Tuberculosis (TB) screening within two months
  • Varicella vaccinations

Should our occupational health specialists determine you’ll need additional vaccinations or blood work to be compliant with hospital policies, the volunteer department will help coordinate this through the hospital.

Will I need the COVID-19 vaccine to volunteer?

Yes, all volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Will I need a flu shot to volunteer?

Yes, we require all staff and volunteers to have a flu vaccine during flu (winter) season.

Can I volunteer as a CNA or phlebotomist?

No, volunteers cannot provide medical care to patients. However, we do have volunteer roles that will allow you to interact in a patient care environment.

Can I volunteer in operating rooms?

No, volunteers are allowed in the operating rooms.

Do you offer opportunities as a volunteer baby cuddler?

Yes, we do have a cuddler role. Once you’ve been interviewed, accepted into our program, and cleared to volunteer, we’ll add you to a list of cuddlers.

Keep in mind that this role cannot guarantee a regular weekly shift. Days or weeks may pass without needing help from on-call cuddlers. We limit our list to just a handful of volunteers because this opportunity is so limited. You must be 18 years old or older to be a cuddler.

Do you offer group volunteer opportunities for a day?

No, because of patient privacy laws and infection control issues, we typically cannot accommodate these types of requests. Please contact the volunteer services at the hospital you'd like to volunteer at. 

Can I volunteer while I’m “between jobs” and looking for a new position?

If you’re main goal is to immediately find a new job, we ask that you wait to apply as a volunteer until you’ve secured your next position. Given that we request a 6–12 month commitment, it’s likely that your availability will change once you’re onboarded at a new job. Should your new schedule allow time to volunteer, please apply at that time.

Fundraise for brighter futures

Looking to add a bit of fun to fundraising? From bake sales to car washes to yard sales, the possibilities are endless.

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