Group Volunteers

If your group is interested in volunteering at UNC Medical Center's Chapel Hill campus, please review the following information before submitting an application. Our group volunteer program involves engaging with patients and leading arts and craft activities in the Pediatric Play Atrium at UNC Children's Hospital.

Check Available Times

A group leader should view the calendar to find available dates for your event and allow at least two weeks for your application to be processed.

Shift Times:
  • Monday - Friday from 2pm-4pm & 5pm-7pm
  • Weekends from 2pm-4pm. 

Requirements

Prior to completing a volunteer application, please ensure your group can comply with all requirements. As most of our groups are affiliated with UNC-CH, groups must complete new applications each semester.

  • Groups may schedule a max of 5 dates per semester.
    • No more than 5 volunteers per shift.
    • Individuals should volunteer no more than twice per semester.
  • Must bring a planned arts and crafts activity other than coloring books, board games or reading books.
    • For ideas, check out these arts and crafts activities.
    • Groups that do not bring an approved activity may not be allowed to stay during their shift.
  • The group leader must complete the online application. Visit the calendar for available dates and times before submitting an application.
  • Confirmation will be sent via email after activity time and details are approved.
  • Meet at the Women’s or Children's Hospital Information Desk 15 minutes prior to your scheduled volunteer time to pick up a visitor's pass.
  • Remain throughout the 2-hour shift of your planned activity.
  • If your group is unable to attend the scheduled time, please call the Play Atrium (984-974-9342) in advance to cancel. Two "no-shows" in a semester will result in removal from the calendar for the remainder of the semester.

Group Member Requirements

Each group member must complete the following steps unless they are a UNC Health employee or current UNC Volunteer. Employees and Volunteers must wear their photo ID badges.

  • Complete the Confidentiality Form and Play Atrium Volunteer Contract provided in the confirmation email.  
  • Bring both documents to the Play Atrium during your scheduled time.
  • During flu season, provide proof of your current flu vaccine with your name and vaccination date (required for each visit).

UNC Health Care Policy Rules

  • Must be out of high school and be at least 18 years old
  • Photographs of patients are not permitted
  • Activities may not involve food, anything religious, or items that are found in nature- leaves, pine cones, etc.

Thank you for considering volunteering at UNC Medical Center's Chapel Hill campus! Your commitment to these guidelines ensures a positive experience for both volunteers and patients.

Contact Information

volsvcs@unchealth.unc.edu

(984) 974-4793

Business Hours

Monday - Friday 8:00a - 4:30p

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Volunteer Stories

  • Volunteer Eric Wang and others pose for a group picture

    Eric Wang volunteers at UNC to gain invaluable experience on what it means to be a member of the healthcare system. He says “There is both personal fulfillment and patient satisfaction in volunteering, seen in the smiles I give and receive along the way. In other words, it's my pleasure!”

  • UNC Tar Heel Paws Pet Dog Maggie May

    Meet Maggie May, a soulful rescue dog who co-volunteers with Garry Lipson. Maggie began volunteering at UNC when she was two. From the beginning of her first assignment in the Children’s Hospital, she seemed to know her job. 

    Read More

  • UNC Volunteer Angelina Gayle

    Why I Volunteer: By Angelina Gayle - Ronald McDonald House Volunteer

    I want to touch the lives of as many people as I can through volunteering. I encourage everyone to volunteer and impact the life of another as well as make a difference one day at a time, one person at a time.