HeartGift volunteers find many different ways to help these special children. Some serve as translators. Others share their gift of time and offer their comfort and support. Host families open their homes and their hearts by providing a safe and familiar place for a child and his or her parent to stay while not in the hospital.

In many ways these special children can become a part of the family. Hosting a child not only provides an amazing opportunity to learn about another culture, it also provides a chance to have a profound impact on someone's life.

While it is advised that a host family have some knowledge of the language that the parent and child speak, it is not required. Other HeartGift volunteers serving as translators are always available to assist the host family. It is also not essential that a member of the host family be present at all times, since a HeartGift volunteer will be available during the day as needed.

For volunteers who would prefer not to be a host family, but would still like to be involved with helping care for a child, there are plenty of other ways to support HeartGift. By planning outings and meals together, some volunteers support HeartGift by entertaining a child and parent during their stay. Some volunteers offer transportation to and from medical appointments. Other volunteers make hospital rounds, blow up balloons and play video games in an effort to make the child's hospital stay more enjoyable.

HeartGift would not exist without the support of volunteers. Whether you're a participating doctor, a volunteer translator, a host family or a financial donor, being a part of HeartGift will change your life and the lives of the children you help save, forever.

To receive more information about becoming a HeartGift volunteer, please fill out the form below.