Make a Difference - Volunteer Today
For more than 50 years the Torrance Memorial Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary has played an integral role in providing compassionate services to patients and visitors. With the opportunity to work throughout the medical center as a volunteer, you'll help with big and small requests alike. You may comfort patients recovering from surgery, deliver mail to staff members or play the piano to cheer up patients and visitors.
You'll be part of a team that is committed to helping others and enjoy a stimulating environment while working at Torrance Memorial. Volunteers interact with healthcare professionals, administrative staff and include more than 800 dedicated people who give of themselves to make Torrance Memorial a leader in providing healthcare to our community.
The Volunteer Experience - Adults and Students
Volunteers are encouraged to participate in areas where their talents are needed and where their interests can be expanded. A volunteer may choose assignments that offer a lot of contact with patients or no contact at all. By offering flexibility in assignments and scheduling, we can accommodate those who work full- or part-time or who have other commitments. Adult Volunteers are required to give a minimum one-year commitment to a regular weekly schedule. Orientations for new volunteers are offered four times during the year.
Student volunteers 14 years of age or older and at least in their Freshman year of High School have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the healthcare field, while often receiving academic credit from their schools. Qualifications and requirements are similar to the adult program.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers may work closely assisting patients and families during their stay at Torrance Memorial, or may choose a position that does not interact with the public. Areas of service with patient contact include working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit's "Cuddler Program," Day Surgery Recovery, Medical Surgical Unit, Progressive Care Unit and the Emergency department.
Unique opportunities include:
- Working with the Pet Visitation Program
- Participating in the Clown Program
- Taking new baby pictures
- Completing sewing projects
- Providing special event assistance.
In addition, volunteers may run department errands within the hospital and help discharge patients by working in Escort Services, or serve patients by acting as a Patient Representative.
Additional opportunities to assist families and visitors include staffing the Information/Reception Desk, the Gift Shop, HealthLinks, Labor and Delivery, Surgery Waiting Room, Critical Care Unit and the Admissions/Registration Desk.
Volunteers may also provide clerical support to the Physicians' Mail Room, Medical Staff Office, Medical Records, Rehabilitation Services and the Volunteer Services department, among others.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Enjoy the added benefits of volunteering when you join Torrance Memorial's team. In addition to experiencing the satisfaction of volunteering you'll meet new people and make new friends, develop new skills, become part of a team, offer comfort and support to patients and their loved ones, enjoy new experiences, enrich your life, keep active and teach others. You'll enjoy pharmacy discounts, free parking, a uniform jacket, and the opportunity to attend Auxiliary general meetings and an annual Recognition/Awards Luncheon.
Student Volunteer Program
Students, age 14 or older and at least in their Freshman year of high school, may volunteer at Torrance Memorial. Being a student volunteer offers young adults the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the healthcare field, while often receiving academic credit through the student's school. Qualifications and requirements are similar to the adult volunteer program.
Contact Us
For information about adult and college volunteering at Torrance Memorial, call the Volunteer Department at 310-517-4752 or contact Mary Matson, Director of Volunteer Services by email at mary.matson@tmmc.com.
For High School Student Volunteer information, please contact Gloria Schatz, Manager of Student Programs by email at gloria.schatz@tmmc.com.
The Auxiliary of Torrance Memorial Center
All Torrance Memorial volunteers are members of the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary Board of Directors for 2009 are:
| President |
Mimi Brody |
| President-Elect |
Irwin Brand |
| Vice-President (Hospital Services) |
Georgia Thompson |
| Vice-President (Membership) |
Gail Long |
| Secretary |
Schola Tsai |
| Treasurer |
Irwin Brand (acting)
|
| Gift Shop Co-Chair |
Mary Maellaro-Moore & Arlene Zingery |
| Special Events Co-Chair |
Michele Stratton & Margaret Johnston |
| Public Relations |
Kerry Eyre |
| Program Chair |
Alice Young |
| Parliamentarian |
Nancy Seaman |
| Legislative Issues Chair |
Neil Drummond |
| Historian |
"Spirit" Patricia White |
| Volunteer Services Director (ex officio) |
Mary Matson |
The Luminaries
The Luminaries began in 1990, with a small group of women from the Palos Verdes Peninsula wanting to support Torrance Memorial Medical Center with their time and to raise money to benefit the hospital. In addition to the Luminaries membership, a high school volunteer program is offered. This teen group, the Novas, provides valuable experience and volunteer hours to the hospital.
Luminaries support the Woman to Woman Image Enhancement Center located in the West Tower, first floor. Women who are experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments or other medical illnesses may receive a private image consultation and receive free products through this program. This program helps builds confidence and self-esteem as a woman is recovering from illness.
To attend a membership information meeting and learn more about the Luminaries, call 310-517-4752. Membership is open to Palos Verdes and Torrance residents.