Giving back... it doesn't have to involve your checkbook.

Like any other non-profit organization, we rely heavily on the financial contributions of our community. We ask for donations, we hold fundraisers, we write grants... all those things play a vital role in keeping our services and programs moving forward and growing to meet the needs of cancer patients and the citizens of Northwest Arkansas.

But, money is not all we need to support our mission - to provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow. Sometimes we need extra bodies and hands to help us make things happen.

For this reason, we have a volunteer program in place to recruit, train, and communicate with folks who want to help us be successful. Many of them are cancer survivors themselves, or have seen our work in clinics first-hand as caregivers or friends of cancer patients. They, like our paid staff, are passionate about doing something to make the journey cancer patients and their loved ones are on just a little bit easier.

There are many ways to get involved - it really just depends on the time and energy available on your end. You let us know what you would like to do, and we will find a way to let you help! Some options include:

"Been There" - The volunteers in this program are all cancer survivors who are interested in walking down that road again, this time as a support for someone else dealing with the same diagnosis. For a new cancer patient, having the ear of sometime who has experienced the same questions and feelings can be incredibly helpful. Open to any cancer survivor. Background checks and special training is required.

 
In Clinic - At Highlands Oncology Group our volunteers lend their time to assist patients with comfort care, enhance hospitality efforts, and support the clinic staff as directed and appropriate. Volunteers must have daytime availability and be at least 18 years of age. Background checks and special training is required.

Administrative & Outreach - We are happy to welcome volunteers in our office to assist with filing, answering phones, processing mailings, organizing, data entry, etc. around the Hope Cancer Resources office. Volunteers can also represent us at volunteer or health fairs, staff information tables at special events, and assist with other outreach efforts. We offer a fun atmosphere and the reward of supporting our programs in very necessary ways. Volunteers must have daytime availability. Background checks and orientation required.

Special Event Committees - We present two major fundraising events each year to help spread the word about what we do and raise funds to support our programs, and we need lots of hands on deck to make them happen. Our committee members help plan and execute our events, assist with the solicitation of sponsors, help gather door prizes and silent auction items, and generally spread the word about the event to their friends. Background checks and orientation required.

Episodic or One-time - We are happy to find something for you to do if you or your group only have a couple of hours to offer. We welcome help when we have a large mailing to get out, or need help with our screenings and special events. No long-term commitment required!

Professional "Pro-Bono" Services - We employ professional licensed social workers and registered nurses to carry out our programs. We engage volunteers with these or related professional designations and related experience who are willing to donate their time to be a part of our service delivery teams. Orientation and background check required, other training to be determined by volunteer role.

Third-Party Fundraising - This is one way for you to volunteer your time and energy and provide a donation at the same time! Many civic and community groups choose local non-profits to benefit from their special events. Some retail or food-service businesses will donate a percentage of their sales to a local charity. Other ideas are yard sales, bake sales, and chili suppers. We are happy to provide informational materials and publicity through our social media outlets and community contacts whenever we know about these kinds of events. We're honored by your willingness to support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas!

So, as you can see, you don't need any special talents to be able to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas. The only requirement is a desire to help.

Our next volunteer orientation is scheduled for November 18 at 5:30 p.m. For more information about volunteer opportunities or to get on the list for the orientation, contact Christy Scarrow by email or at 479-361-5847. We look forward to meeting you!