ABOUT

Volunteer

Making a world of difference

Volunteers make a difference every day at Hutchinson Health. We have many volunteer opportunities to fit different time schedules, interests and abilities.

Some of our volunteers work at the gift shop or information desk, while others work at the thrift shop or help with mail delivery. Sometimes volunteers are skilled with making things, and they knit baby caps and knitted knockers or sew neck pillows, breast pillows, walker bags or Christmas stockings.

No matter where you serve, every volunteer at Hutchinson Health helps enhance the healing experience for our patients and the community. When you share your talents, compassion and energy here, you'll gain new friends, new skills and the reward of knowing you’re truly making an impact.

Patient Family Advisory Committee

Hutchinson Health strives to include patients and families at every level of our health care system. One way you can get involved is by becoming a patient and family advisor. Advisors help us in the following ways:

  • Sharing your story. Advisors talk about their health care experiences with clinicians, staff and other patients.
  • Participating in discussion groups. Advisors tell us what it’s like to be a patient at Hutchinson Health and what we can do to improve.
  • Reviewing or helping create educational or informational materials. Advisors help review or create materials like forms, health information handouts and discharge instructions. Advisors contribute to making these materials easier for all patients and family members to understand and use.
  • Working on short-term projects. We sometimes ask advisors to partner with us in making system and facility improvements.
  • Serving on Hutchinson Health’s Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC). PFAC members meet monthly and collaborate with Hutchinson Health staff members to improve processes, communication and the patient experience.

Interested in becoming a patient and family advisor or joining the PFAC? Contact Ashley Nelson at ANelson3@hutchhealth.com.

The Hutchinson Health Auxiliary

The Hutchinson Health Auxiliary was formed in 1958. Currently, the Auxiliary has over 400 members with 150 active volunteers. The Auxiliary donates approximately 20,500 hours of service each year. Since 1958, the Auxiliary has donated over $2 million of its proceeds to Hutchinson Health.

The Hutchinson Health Auxiliary operates two businesses, The Thrift Shop and The Gift Shop. These businesses are staffed by auxiliary volunteers, and all profits benefit Hutchinson Health patients and the Hutchinson community.

The Thrift Shop

The Hutchinson Health Auxiliary Thrift Shop is located at 25 N. Main Street, just a quarter of a mile south of the intersection of Highway 7 and 15.

Thrift Shop hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Gift Shop

The Hutchinson Health Auxiliary Gift Shop is located in the lobby of the Hutchinson Health Hospital at 1095 Highway 15 S. The gift shop carries jewelry, clothing, cards and much more.

To get started, complete the Auxiliary volunteer application (PDF). After you apply, the volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss the next steps. Once you start volunteering, we’ll provide all the training and support you need to help you succeed in your new role.

Contact Jenny Tillmann at 320-484-4477 or jtillmann@hutchhealth.com for more information.

Volunteer benefits

Volunteers are an important part of the Hutchinson Health team. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Some of the benefits of volunteering with us include:

  • Yearly volunteer recognition event
  • Supportive staff
  • Opportunity to form new social connections

Auxiliary volunteer roles

There are many different ways to share your talents at Hutchinson Health. Whether you have prior experience or are just starting out, we provide training and support for every role, so it’s easy to get started.

Available roles may change depending on current needs. Typical opportunities include:

  • Gift shop/information desk attendant
  • Thrift shop attendant
  • Mail messenger
  • Knitter for baby caps or knitted knockers
  • Sewer for walker bags, breast pillows, neck pillows or Christmas stockings

Meals on Wheels program

Hutchinson Health serves as a site for the Meals on Wheels program , which delivers nutritious meals to the homes of senior community members facing food insecurity or isolation. Program volunteers provide friendly visits and safety checks that help seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity.

To learn more and get involved as a driver, call 320-484-4570.

Donate

The Hutchinson Health Foundation serves as the connection between Hutchinson Health and our family of charitable donors. Every gift helps achieve extraordinary possibilities by enriching lives, saving lives and transforming patient care.

To keep advancing, we need your support. Your generosity will help ensure that the best health care will be there when it’s needed for you or someone you love.

Call the Hutchinson Health Foundation at 320-484-4438 for more information.