National Volunteer Week: April 15-21, 2012
Celebrating People in Action, the theme for National Volunteer Week
2012, captures the meaning of this signature week by honoring the people who
dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities.
Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week has grown exponentially in scope each
year, drawing the support and endorsement of all subsequent U.S. presidents, governors,
mayors and other respected elected officials.
Celebrating People in Action
presents an opportunity for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and
government entities alike to celebrate the ordinary people who accomplish
extraordinary things through service.
National Volunteer Week embodies
the energy and power 150 Wings Cancer Foundation’s Volunteers evoke on a daily
basis as they lead by example. Wings Volunteers are survivors, caregivers and
friends, ‘the heart and soul of Wings’. They listen, touch, assist, comfort and
care for patients and their families on cancer journeys.
On Friday, April 20th,
a Gratitude Breakfast will be held at the Panera Bread Café to thank the men
and women in red aprons!
Wings Volunteers
The volunteers at Wings Cancer Foundation represent a diverse group of people including cancer survivors, family members, community volunteers, friends and youth. Through dedication and compassion, Wings Volunteers fill an essential role by bringing life to many programs and hope to many patients. In 2010, our volunteer gift of time totaled
8,356 hours, equaling $153,666.84 and 5,000 hospital visits.
Visible throughout the clinics, our Red Apron volunteers serve as a point of information and source of comfort.
Wings welcomes any individual interested in volunteering. With so many different ways to serve, volunteers can give according to their preference and personal desires.
Opportunities include:
- Chemotherapy Treatment Areas - Offer support through conversation and refreshments
- Ambassadors - Share information about Wings Programs and Services
- Wings Resource Center - Help locate books, videos or other information for a patient or family
- Wings Corner Boutique - Help patients with wigs, hats, scarves, cosmetics or nutritional supplements
- Community Service Volunteers - Sew or knit hats, turbans, shawls or blankets. Collect and provide snacks
- Wings Hospital Visitation Program - Specially-trained volunteers extend our support to hospitalized patients
- Partnering Program - Partner with patients, family members or caregivers for one-on-one support
- Participation in Events - Participate in Wings-sponsored events or serve as a community-support advocate
- Community Service Hours - for students 18 and up
- Fundraising - Volunteer at Wings Fundraisers and educate the community about opportunities to donate