Ways to Help Cardinal Glennon
No matter what you do, your support is critical to our mission. There are a variety of ways you can get involved at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Explore your options, and thank you for your support!
There are so many different ways for patients and families to make an impact. Let us help you connect with opportunities.
Learn more about and how to apply to our patient & family advisory program.
Volunteering at the Hospital
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!
Our volunteers assist our team in living our Mission every day. Whether you work directly with children, guide visitors to their appointments or help transport patients, your work as a volunteer through the hospital helps support our full-time staff and our continuing mission.
Volunteers in Action
We are grateful for the 325 individuals who offered their time and talents to our patients. Read our Volunteer Report to learn more.
Volunteer Opportunities
Available volunteer positions are identified by departments, based on their needs in respective areas.
Direct patient care opportunities can include:
- Visiting in patient rooms
- Interacting in play or activity areas
- Reading books
- Transporting patients.
Other areas where volunteers contribute to the overall SSM Health experience can include the gift shop, reception desk, mail room, library, storeroom and waiting rooms.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life. Please review the application timeline and other requirements to find the best volunteer opportunity for you.
Additional Volunteer Guidelines
Requirements for Adult Volunteers
- 18 or older
- Committed to volunteer for one year, at least once a week, for three hours or longer
Requirements for College Student Volunteer
- Limited volunteer positions are available to college students for the academic school year. Expectation is a regular, weekly 3-hour volunteer shift during the academic school year.
- College volunteers must provide at least 100 hours during the academic year. Participants must interview and attend an informational meeting to join the mandatory new volunteer orientation. Participants must also complete all health requirements before the start of volunteer assignments.
- During the application process, openings will be shared based on applicant's schedule and areas of interest.
Requirements for High School Students
- The SSM Health Cardinal Glennon High school volunteering program is for year-round students volunteer. Students must be at least 17 years old at the time of application and in the spring of their junior year.
- The expectation for volunteers is at least one weekday evening shift per week for one year.
- Our High school student volunteers must be active weekly to take part in school required service during the day in spring.
- Interested students must attend a one-hour informational meeting. A three-hour new volunteer orientation is also required. Additionally, they must complete the application and required documentation.
Due to the number of students wanting to complete hours during the same timeframe, we offer limited opportunities. We allow one student per school and a max of four students at a time during the school day. High school students and active volunteers will have priority to complete service hours.
Apply to volunteer for the 2026–2027 school year.
The High School Volunteer program application period has closed for the 2026-2027 school year. The application timeline will be updated in Fall of 2026 for the next year.
Volunteer Application Process
Becoming a volunteer involves a few steps which can take some time. This process helps guarantee the safety of our patients, staff and other volunteers. It also allows us to ensure that the needs of the hospital and the volunteer are both met with a good volunteer/position match.
Our application process involves the following steps:
- Complete the volunteer application
- Interview with our Volunteer Director
- Meet all of the current SSM Health medical/health requirements for volunteers including vaccinations
- Provide all necessary information for a background check
- Submit two references
- Attend New Volunteer Orientation
Questions About Volunteering?
For more information on becoming a volunteer at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, view our frequently asked questions below or call the Volunteer Office at 314-577-5696. When calling, please leave your name, phone number and indicate your availability and interests.
FAQs About Volunteering at the Hospital
To safeguard the health of our patients and comply with Infectious Disease Prevention Protocols, all volunteers must comply with current health requirements including: mandatory annual influenza vaccination, annual TB skin testing, and the provision of immunization records.
Current high school student positions are filled for the ’24-‘25 school year. Only high school students currently in this program are accepted for High School Service Hour projects.
Volunteer services at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon does not discriminate against applicants based on disability. However, for patient safety, those interested in volunteering must be able to assist patients in various capacities in the event of an emergency.
There are limited weekend opportunities.
There are limited opportunities to volunteer in the NICU. There are multiple areas in the hospital to volunteer for infant/toddler interaction. More information is shared during the interview.
The personal, professional appearance of SSM Health volunteers is just as important as that of our employees. Volunteers are required to wear a hospital-issued identification security badge at all times, in addition to a volunteer uniform vest provided by the volunteer services department. More detail about the volunteer dress code is reviewed during the interview and orientation.
All group efforts or events must be coordinated through the Child Life Department.
The visitor’s parking garage is reserved for our families and patients. Volunteers park free of charge in the designated staff/volunteer off-site west parking lot, located at the intersection of Park Ave. and Spring, behind the hospital. A shuttle transports staff and volunteers back and forth between the parking lot and the main hospital.