Volunteer with Illinois CancerCare

Make a meaningful difference for patients and caregivers by joining our compassionate care team.

Who We Are

Our volunteers are a group of compassionate and energetic community members dedicated to serving patients and caregivers throughout their cancer journey. From a welcoming first impression to helping maintain a smooth patient flow, volunteers provide essential support that allows our clinical teams to focus fully on delivering high quality care.

Volunteer Roles

Door Attendant

  • Serve as a first warm welcome to Illinois CancerCare
  • Assist patients as needed from vehicles, transporting them to registration & first appointment stop​
  • Remove patient bracelets at exit​
  • Help with wheelchairs, sanitize and storing​

Pod Attendant

  • Serve as hospitality lead in waiting room and treatment spaces ​
  • Fill snack baskets and offer snacks to patients​
  • Manage volunteer desk
  • Oversee beverage station​
  • Assemble and deliver New Patient Bags

Medication Delivery

  • Serve as primary transporter of medications to treatment spaces, allowing staff to focus on direct care
  • Assist with New Patient Bags

Requirements and Commitments

The Volunteer Program at Illinois CancerCare is designed to be flexible and accommodate a variety of schedules. Volunteers may choose from three daily shifts: 8am-11am, 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm. Most volunteers serve one shift per week, though every‑other‑week and once‑a‑month commitments are also available.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to be placed on a regular schedule. All volunteers must complete a background screening and required training prior to placement.

Next Steps to Becoming a Volunteer

1. Application

Complete your online Volunteer Application.

2. Screening

Volunteer Services will review your application and complete the background screening.

3. Orientation

Once the screening is complete, you’ll be contacted to schedule Volunteer Orientation. These orientations are held once a month and include all the information you need, required trainings, a “behind the scenes” tour and more.

4. Job Shadow

Following orientation, you’ll be scheduled for on the job training along with an experienced volunteer.

5. Placement

Once you have completed orientation and training, you’ll be placed on the volunteer schedule based on role interest and availability.

Ready to Apply?