Volunteer Profiles

Why he rocks: “I loved volunteering in my hometown, so as a college freshman at the University of St. Thomas I got involved with a student organization called Volunteers In Action (VIA), which led me to Children’s. I'm also involved with a campus ministry called Cru.  Here, a group of my fellow sophomores and I put together a team called ‘the Spoon Squad’, which works to find ways to intentionally serve others and help make new people feel welcome at our Wednesday night gathering. The reason the team is called the Spoon Squad is because of a quote we heard which states, "Forks stab, knives cut, but spoons serve, and we are called to serve."  This has become a life motto for me, and I love finding ways to share that message wherever I go.”

What excites you most about working at Children’s? “I love working directly with volunteers and the volunteers here at Children's are really something special. I'm lucky to get to interact with volunteers who help kids feel better through their time, smiles, and laughter.”

Why she rocks: “I had never stepped foot inside a hospital prior to applying to volunteer, but what sparked my interest was when my aunt Jana started to have some health issues. I chose Children’s because I have always loved playing with kids and I’m so glad I did! I am a senior at Edina high school while also attending Normandale Community College full-time through the PSEO program. I aspire to become a Pediatrician here at Children’s hospital. I am also currently in training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant this fall, and I work at Starbucks!”

Why she rocks: “My first true experience as a volunteer was when I traveled to India for a service trip in December 2014. While on that trip, I interacted with under-privileged individuals and was able to see how my actions were creating a positive impact on their lives. From that moment on, I have found so much joy and excitement in merely being able to share my time and my mind with others in order to make their life just a little brighter. So when it comes to volunteering, Children’s was a perfect fit!”

Why he rocks: “I volunteer because first and foremost I love kids. As a Type 1 Diabetic, I was initially drawn to volunteer with kids at Camp Needlepoint last summer. Ever since then, I realized I wanted to volunteer more with kids and Children's is a great place to do so. I get so much out of volunteering each week, just being with them and seeing that they're having a good time when I'm around makes it all worthwhile.

Why he rocks: “For most of my adult life I have felt the need to help those less fortunate.  Some of my volunteer work has been one on one, but for 10 years in the 90’s I headed up a large charitable garden project in Burnsville where we grew vegetables to give to food shelves, community centers and homes for the disadvantaged. In an average year we would grow about 4000 lbs of veggies that often was fed by our main crow…about 250 tomato plants.  That project, called Love Grows a Garden, ended when the area around the garden was bought by Fairview Ridges Hospital and is now a parking lot across the street from the main entrance.

Why she rocks: “I'm a student at the University of Minnesota, and hoping to eventually get into a physical therapy program. I have always loved working with kids so volunteering here at Children's was a perfect combination of two of my passions!”

Why she rocks: “After participating in various fundraising efforts for local children and for cancer research, I decided to become a volunteer at Children's Hospital.

Why she rocks: “My name is Shelly Gill Murray and I have been a Surgery Family Waiting Room volunteer for two years.  After sitting in the family waiting room myself a few times, I felt a pull to help others through the process and applied to volunteer.”