Orange County Volunteering: CHOC Children's Foundation – Assist with Fundraising and Support Services for Children's Hospital of Orange County

Volunteering in Orange County provides a meaningful way to connect with your community while making a significant impact. Among the many organizations one can choose to support, the CHOC Children’s Foundation stands out with its mission to enhance life and health outcomes for children. This article delves into volunteering opportunities at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), particularly focusing on fundraising and support services facilitated by the CHOC Children’s Foundation.

For up-to-date contact information and volunteering details, you can visit their website at choc.org or reach out via phone at 714-997-3000.

The Importance of Volunteering for Children's Hospitals

Volunteering at a children's hospital is more than just giving your time; it is contributing to the well-being of vulnerable populations. Children's hospitals, like CHOC, serve hundreds of thousands of young patients who require specialized care and attention. Volunteers play a critical role, from offering emotional support to families to assisting in crucial fundraising activities that help maintain and expand hospital services.

Why Focus on Fundraising?

Fundraising is the backbone that supports many of the specialized programs at CHOC. These funds facilitate:

• Advanced Medical Equipment: Ensuring children receive the highest quality care through cutting-edge technology.
• Research: Supporting groundbreaking research that can lead to new treatments and cures.
• Family Support Services: Providing essential programs that support families dealing with long-term hospital stays.
• Facility Improvements: Enhancing hospital infrastructure to create a better healing environment for children.

CHOC Children's Foundation: An Overview

The CHOC Children’s Foundation operates as the fundraising branch for the hospital, focusing on generating resources to support patient care, research, education, and advocacy. They engage with a broad spectrum of the community, involving everyone from individuals and corporations to other non-profits, thereby amplifying their impact.

Mission and Vision

CHOC's mission is to nurture, advance, and protect the health and well-being of children. Their vision is to:

• Be a leading destination for children's health.
• Transform pediatric healthcare through innovation and research.
• Empower communities by facilitating integral support systems.

Volunteering Opportunities with CHOC Children's Foundation

CHOC Children's Foundation offers a myriad of volunteering opportunities, mostly centered around fundraising and support services. Here are some of the key roles you can consider:

1. Event Volunteers

One of the most dynamic ways to contribute is by becoming an event volunteer. The foundation organizes numerous events throughout the year, such as:

• Annual Galas: A formal event requiring planning and execution support.
• CHOC Walk in the Park: A signature fun event for which volunteers are needed for registration, route marshaling, and distribution of supplies.
• Community Drives: Assisting in organizing, promoting, and executing donation drives.

2. Community Outreach

Join the community outreach team to raise awareness and funds for CHOC. Volunteers in these roles:

• Host presentations to schools, businesses, and local groups.
• Distribute materials and information about CHOC's needs.
• Advocate on behalf of CHOC in different community settings.

3. Office Assistance

For those who prefer working behind the scenes, office assistance positions involve:

• Helping with administrative tasks.
• Supporting fundraising strategy meetings.
• Assisting with donor communications.

4. Peer-to-Peer Fundraisers

If you're a go-getter, consider organizing your own fundraiser. This could range from social media campaigns to hosting small-scale community events like bake sales or charity runs.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Website: Head over to choc.org and navigate to the 'Volunteer' section. This page will provide comprehensive information on the upcoming events and ongoing projects needing volunteer support.

2. Apply Online: Fill out the volunteer application form. It will ask for your basic contact details, availability, and areas of interest.

3. Attend Orientation: New volunteers often need to attend an orientation session to understand CHOC's mission, values, and how volunteers fit into the organization.

4. Background Check: Depending on the role, a background check might be required, especially for roles involving direct engagement with patient families.

5. Start Volunteering: Once you've completed the onboarding process, you'll be matched with opportunities best suited to your skills and availability.

The Impact of Your Contribution

Volunteering impacts both the giver and the receiver. For the children and families at CHOC, volunteers provide:

• Hope and Comfort: The presence and support of volunteers can alleviate the stress and fear that families often experience in pediatric hospital settings.
• Community Connection: Volunteers help bridge the gap between the hospital and the community, drawing in resources and support.

For volunteers, the benefits are equally rewarding:

• Personal Growth: You gain invaluable experience in healthcare-related environments.
• New Skills: Whether you’re learning event management or advocacy, the skills gained are transferable to many areas of life and career.
• Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Stories of Change: Real Life Impact

To understand the impact, let’s examine some real-life stories:

Case Study: The CHOC Walk in the Park

This annual fundraiser is a major community event drawing thousands of participants. Volunteers helped raise significant funds that were funneled directly into patient care and research initiatives. Many families report feeling a greater sense of community support due to events like this, emphasizing how volunteer involvement leads to tangible improvements.

Case Study: Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Success

Samantha, a volunteer who creatively hosted an online art auction, raised over $5,000. What started as a personal project gained community-wide attention, highlighting how individual initiatives can make a considerable impact.

Why Choose CHOC for Your Volunteering?

Choosing to volunteer with the CHOC Children’s Foundation is a commitment to a cause that touches lives every single day. The organization’s commitment to innovative pediatric healthcare, combined with community-driven support, makes it a hub for impactful volunteer work. By aligning your efforts with CHOC, you're not just volunteering; you're actively reshaping the future of children's health.

Conclusion

In the vibrant setting of Orange County, the call to support children’s healthcare is both pressing and rewarding. By volunteering with the CHOC Children’s Foundation, you’re choosing to be part of a community that values the health and happiness of its youngest members. For more information, reach out to CHOC Children's Foundation via their website at choc.org or contact them directly at 714-997-3000.

Your contribution, big or small, holds the power to transform lives. Join the movement and make a difference today.