Another way you can help is by volunteering at a local children's hospital center. Here is a national list of hospitals with cancer centers that you can contact for information on how you can volunteer time to help make someone day's a little better.

Alabama
• University of Southern Alabama Children's and Women's Hospital - The Volunteers at the USA Children's and Women's Hospital, through unselfish giving of their time and talents, enrich the healthcare experience of our patients. They also play an important role in the overall mission of our hospital - providing the very best healthcare for children and women in our community.
  
  Arizona
• Phoenix Children's Cancer Center - For inpatient volunteers, we require applicants to sign a good-faith agreement to volunteer for a minimum of 100 hours. For the safety and wellbeing of our patients, we must conduct a health and background screening and must provide specialized training for each volunteer.
  
  Arkansas
• Arkansas Children's Hospital - Arkansas Children’s Hospital depends on volunteers to provide assistance for the patients, their families and hospital staff. Whether you’re a retiree wanting to give back to the community, a student hoping to fulfill a service requirement, or just have a simple desire to help others during your free time, there’s a wide array of opportunities.
  
  California
• Children's Hospital Central California - We can match your skills and interests with a volunteer position that meets your needs and ours! Whether it's playing with children in the Child Life Playroom, visiting with family members, or providing clerical support in an office setting, you can make a difference.
• Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases - Volunteers provide invaluable support throughout Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Opportunities with patient include assisting in patient care units, outpatient services, Emergency Department and the Child Life Playrooms, along with other areas.
• Children's Hospital Orange County - For nearly 40 years, the volunteer program at CHOC has provided vital assistance to all hospital departments. There are currently over 450 volunteers who give almost 4500 hours a month
• Children's Hospital San Diego - The mission of the Volunteer Services Department is to enhance and support the services of Children’s Hospital and Health Center through the contributions of trained volunteers in a caring environment.
• Lucile Packard Children's Hospital - To participate as a volunteer, we require that you be at least 16 years of age and committed to volunteer for approximately three hours per week for six months on a regularly scheduled basis. We invite you to attend one of the volunteer orientations
• Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA - Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age and should commit to at least 4 hours per week. An orientation and training are provided to help volunteers become valuable members of the UCLA Healthcare team. Bilingual individuals who speak both English and Spanish are especially needed to volunteer.
  
  Colorado
• The Children's Hospital - From teenagers to great grandparents, from homemakers to professional athletes, Children's hospital volunteers encompass all walks of life and all income levels, each volunteer with something unique to offer. Our diverse group of volunteers have one thing in common, however -- the desire to help sick children and their families
  
  Connecticut
• Connecticut Children's Medical Center - Volunteer opportunities are available for anyone who is 13 years old, dependable, and able to commit to at least three hours of service per week for a minimum commitment of one year (six weeks during the Summer period). Volunteers are required, by regulations to be a minimum of 13 years of age. Some departments have other age requirements - for example, Patient Care units require volunteers to be at least 18 years old.
  
  Florida
• All Children's Hospital - For the children and families who need the high quality care All Children's provides, the difference our volunteers make is immeasurable. To learn more about becoming a Volunteer within All Children's, call 727-767-4254, or fill out the Volunteer Form and fax to 727-767-8224.
• Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women - Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women. Please note that adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or the equivalent. If you are in high school, there are "Teen Opportunities"
• Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital - To learn more about becoming a volunteer at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital or other facilities of Memorial Healthcare System, please contact Volunteer Services at (954) 987-2020, extension 5940.
• Miami Children's Hospital - Please note that all MCH volunteers must be able to speak English. Knowledge of a second language is a big plus! Review our website to find out more information about volunteering opportunities at MCH. You may also call 305-662-8225 or e-mail Lynn Heyman or Grace Copeland.
  
  Georgia
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - The VolunTEEN program is perfect for high school students ages 15-17 looking for a rewarding way to spend part of their summer. For those ages 9-14, the Young Friends program offers an introductory volunteer experience. It's never too early to be a part of Friends!
• Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center - Some areas require attending an orientation session and an interview, while others do not. Please contact our Volunteer Services department for specific information regarding the areas of your interest. No matter what area you work in, you can be assured your contributions are needed and that they will make a difference in the lives of many people
  
  Illinois
• Hope Children's Hospital - Above all else, we ask that our volunteers truly be interested in volunteering and have genuine concern for patients and families. In addition, volunteers must: Be at least 14 years of age, Commit to serve at a regularly scheduled day and time, Serve at least four hours one day a week, for a minimum of six months, Participate in orientation, training and in-service programs
• Lutheran General Children's Hospital - Above all else, we ask that our volunteers truly be interested in volunteering and have genuine concern for patients and families. In addition, volunteers must: Be at least 14 years of age, Commit to serve at a regularly scheduled day and time, Serve at least four hours one day a week, for a minimum of six months, Participate in orientation, training and in-service programs
• Children's Memorial Hospital - Volunteer Resources provides meaningful volunteer opportunities to the community by meeting the medical center staff's needs for volunteer support. Annually, more than 1,100 people donate their time and energy on a regularly scheduled basis to Children's Memorial. But the benefits of a strong volunteer program extend beyond the hours of service volunteers give.
• University of Illinois Medical Center: Department of Pediatrics/Child and Adolescent Center - "Requirements for Becoming a Volunteer At least 16 years of age with a valid form of identification, Agree to serve a minimum of 45 hours within the next year, Pass a basic health screening (Tuberculosis, Mumps, Measles, Chicken Pox), Sign a statement for a drug-free workplace and a confidentiality agreement "
  
  Iowa
• Children's Hospital of Iowa - Thank you for your interest in Volunteer Services at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Our services are built around very special people who give their time, effort, and talent to help improve the experiences of our patients and their families. Each year, more than 1,200 volunteers work to support patients, visitors, and staff throughout UI Hospitals and Clinics.
  
  Louisiana
• Children's Hospital - Interested in becoming a Children's Hospital volunteer? Learn about the opportunities available. Volunteer Services Children's Hospital 200 Henry Clay Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 (504) 896-9486
  
  Maine
• The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital - More than 600 men, women, young adults, and teenagers from throughout the Greater Portland area. Each year our volunteers give more than 67,000 hours of their time to the hospital and patients.
  
  Maryland
• Johns Hopkins Children's Center - Don’t miss this opportunity to reserve your place on the telephones during Radiothon and Telethon. Volunteers are essential to the success of both events. We are counting on you!
• University of Maryland Medicine's Children's Hospital - "If you are interested in volunteering, here is what you need to do: Complete the volunteer application and turn it into the volunteer office. Our office fax number is 410-328-2924., Come into the office for an interview. Complete the health form, and bring in documentation of your immunization records. If you don't have any proof of your immunization, you may need to have your blood drawn. Complete a mandatory orientation and annual training session. "
  
  Massachusetts
• Children's Hospital Boston - "Volunteers must have a criminal background check before starting. Processing time for this is two to four weeks after acceptance into the program. Volunteers must be age 16 or older. Only weekday/daytime shifts are available to High School students. High School students must complete their shift by 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are asked to complete a minimum of four hours in one time slot per week for a period of a year. Most new openings are weekdays before 5 p.m. "
• Dana-Farber: Jimmy Fund Clinic - Volunteers must commit to a four-hour shift each week for a period of six months. Please expect to have the same schedule every week. All volunteer placements are on a trial basis for the first three months. Free pre-placement health screening is required and provided by the Department of Occupational Health Services. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
  
  Michigan
• Children's Hospital of Michigan - Love to play with children, Want to make a difference in a child's life, Willing to donate at least 6 months of service. Be at least age 18 years old for patient care assignments. Limited assignments are available for ages 15-17. More placements are available for this age group in the summer months. Be dependable, courteous, compassionate and flexible
• Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota - Children's has a variety of opportunities for adult and teen (ages 14 - 17) volunteers in both support and patient care areas.
• Fairview Childrens Hospital - Volunteer programs are designed for one simple, but very important purpose - to serve our patients and their families. Fairview volunteers touch the lives of patients in many ways, and a variety of opportunities throughout the medical center are available. Your preferences will be considered when determining your volunteer placement, but our priority is to place volunteers in areas with the greatest need.
  
  Missouri
• Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics - Students who are at least 14 years of age are eligible to volunteer during the summer. Those who are 16 years and older may volunteer in the summer and/or year-round.
  
  New York
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering: Pediatric Cancer Care - We are looking for people whose personal values are in harmony with our volunteer program -- individuals who are positive, caring, sensitive, energetic, and self-disciplined. Other qualities that are important include an ability to work well with staff, a desire to learn and grow through supervision, and regular participation in educational programs.
• Staten Island Children's Cancer Center - Looking for volunteers to continue its commitment to excellence while providing you with the personal satisfaction of contributing to the welfare of those in need. In the setting of University Hospital, a volunteer is an invaluable part of the hospital team, applauded by our grateful staff because they help ease a burden and support their mission of caring.
• Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo - The Department of Volunteer Services is responsible for augmenting hospital services on a not-for-pay basis. We recruit and train quailified volunteers age 15 and above to perform these in a professional manner.
  
  Ohio
• Akron Children's Hospital - Placement is based on position openings, and a complete orientation and training is provided to all new volunteers. We ask our inservice volunteers to dedicate a minimum of 50 hours per year to Akron Children’s Hospital.
• Columbus Children's Hospital - The goals of our Volunteen Program are to encourage service in our community and to provide volunteer experience in a hospital setting. VOLUNTEENS MUST BE CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OR ENTERING THEIR FRESHMAN YEAR AND 14 YEARS OF AGE.
• Cincinnati Children's Cancer Center - The normal donor program is vital to the success of our research mission. By providing an ample supply of fresh blood precursor cells from either the bone marrow or the blood, the normal donor program fuels research in a vast array of laboratories.
• The Children's Medical Center of Dayton - As a volunteer at Dayton Children's, you can be part of a team that cares for children of all ages. While giving to others, you can also help yourself. The experience you gain can help you select a career, build marketable skills or find personal growth and satisfaction.
  
  Oregon
• Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital - Can you make a commitment of once a week for one year? Are you at least 14 years of age and have completed the 8th grade? Are you compassionate and interested in helping others? Are you willing to learn new things?
  
  Pennsylvania
• The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - A dedicated group of volunteer families and friends works through FOCUS -- Friends Organized for Cure, Understanding & Support -- on Oncology, a program of the Children's Hospital Division of Oncology.
• Penn State Children's Hospital - Anyone over 18 may apply by submitting the proper application. You may do so either on-line (preferable) or call (717) 531-8278 and request an application be mailed to you. Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 are invited to become a part of our summer teen program.
  
  South Carolina
• MUSC Children's Hospital - We ask our volunteers to commit to a minimum of one 2-3 hour shift per week on the same day at the same time, and to fulfill a minimum of 100 hours per year. All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Volunteers interested in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit placement must be 21 years of age.
  
  Tennessee
• East Tennessee Children's Hospital - Our qualifications are simple. Volunteers must: have the desire to meet new people and make new friends; be interested in helping others and making a difference in our world while broadening their range of skills and knowledge; have the desire to share their love with a child in need previous experience working with children is helpful but not required); be at least 14 years of age
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Volunteers are the lifeblood of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, providing crucial support services that are vital to the hospital and the well being of its patients. Every day, willing volunteers donate their time and energy so that St. Jude can fulfill its mission of finding cures and providing care.
• Vanderbilt Children's Hospital - "How do you become a Volunteer? Attend Volunteer Information Session Complete Volunteer Application* and Volunteer Questionnaire* Teens must also submit two Teen Reference Forms* completed by a school counselor, teacher, or principal "
  
  Texas
• Texas Children's Cancer Center - At Texas Children's Hospital, each year approximately 60,000 volunteer hours are provided by caring individuals who answer questions and greet guests at the information desk, deliver toys to children, play games with or read to patients, supervise the playground and comfort fussy infants. Volunteers also provide a wide selection of books, magazines, artwork supplies and feature film videos to patients.
• Children's Medical Center of Dallas - Children's is a not-for-profit institution. We rely on gifts of time and money to continue serving children in need. And there are many ways to help. Just ask. Use the Children’s Web site to apply for volunteer positions or participate in a giving program
• Cook Children's Medical Center - "Must be 14 years of age by June 1, 2005. Complete volunteer orientation. Commitment to volunteer 24 hours during the summer program calendar. "
• MD Anderson Cancer Center: Children's Cancer Hospital - At M. D. Anderson, volunteers work to make a difference. Volunteers work to make cancer history. Join us. To learn more about volunteering at M. D. Anderson, call (713) 792-JOIN or continue reading our Web site for more information.
• Texas Children's Hospital - Pediatric Healthcare - Texas Children's volunteers -- who range in age from 15 to more than 90 years old -- make a difference to children, their families and the hospital staff every day of the year. Learn more about the services volunteers provide to patients at Texas Children's.
  
  Virginia
• Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters - We encourage others who want to help make miracles happen for our young patients to join with us. And we’ve made it even easier to make a difference in the life of a child!
  
  Washington, DC
• Children's National Medical Center - Children's National Medical Center is open around the clock, every day of the year, and we need volunteers who can offer a few hours a week on weekdays, evenings and weekends. We ask our volunteers to commit to at least one year of service, with a minimum of 100 hours within that year.
  
  Washington
• Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center - Over the past nine decades, volunteers have guided our development, raised funds to keep the hospital's doors open, rocked babies, played therapeutic games with the children, and advocated on behalf of the hospital and the healthcare needs of children and their families in the Northwest.
  
  Wisconsin
• Children's Hospital of Wisconsin - The volunteers at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin create a special partnership with staff and play an important role in our commitment to children. We offer a wide variety of opportunities for those who wish to volunteer their time and talents and are able to make a six-month commitment.
• University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital - UW Hospital and Clinics volunteer opportunities are grouped into three categories: Clinical Setting, Guest Services and Administrative.