This was the year of the Minions. They could be found everywhere: on television, in advertisements, in a certain fast food restaurant and even in UVA Medical Center!  Minions are small yellow cylindrical creatures who have one or two eyes (from the 2015 film Minions).  Our juniors had a great deal of fun introducing them to staff, as well as to volunteers and even placing them in the most unexpected places while volunteering.  One even traveled as far as Northridge. Those with whom they came in contact won't soon forget these little people.  A bit of levity was added to their day, as was evidenced by their wide grins and quiet giggles.

Volunteers were placed in 35 different sites across the Medical Center.  As a result, 63 volunteers made Program Coordinator, Maureen Oswald, proud by providing over 5,000 service hours. This was accomplished by the incredible dedication and commitment of our juniors and because most people chose to volunteer two days each week.

 

Giving young people an opportunity to serve patients and their families is part of the mission of the Junior Volunteer Program.  This year, two of our young volunteers carried this spirit outside of the Medical Center.  One junior, who volunteered at Transitional Care Hospital (TCH), is now working on his Eagle Scout project to beautify the outdoor area at TCH. 

Another student started a Blankets of Care Club at Albemarle High School because she had noticed how the mood of cancer patients changed when offered a blanket.  This group has been knitting and assembling blankets to donate to cancer patients.

 

When one of our junior volunteers was asked her feelings regarding the value of the program she replied with three positive reasons for the wonderful experience she had this summer: the hospital setting helped develop workplace experience, the ability to meet interesting people, and an opportunity to interact with peers.  One can easily agree this has been a rewarding program for everyone involved!