Opportunities From: Volunteer Wisconsin

Yarn crafters we need YOU because knockers (knit or crochet) are needed by the Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital Cancer Center for our breast cancer patients.  Our local cancer center is seeking crafters that are willing to knit/crochet these soft, comfortable prosthetics for local breast cancer survivors. We are able to provide all of the instructions thanks to Knitted Knockers, a non-profit organization started by a breast cancer survivor in Washington state.  We need YOU and your yarn crafting friends to create this very needed item in our community.   

Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer and undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. Traditional breast prosthetics can be hot, heavy and sticky, require special bras and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. These knockers are soft, beautiful, comfortable and they are washable.

We are recruiting a team of special volunteer knitters/crocheters to help create these knockers so that our local cancer center can provide them FREE to those requesting them.  For additional information contact Annmarie Ott, Volunteer Coordinator at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital.  Thank you in advance for your help.  This is a great way to show patients we care!

We Need You!  Did you know that there are almost 40,000 cases of cancer diagnosed in the state of Wisconsin each year?  Here at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital - UW Cancer Center we do our part to support and comfort our local families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.  One way that the broader community can help is to create Chemo Care Kits to give to patients that receive their treatment here at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital - UW Cancer Center.  These kits are a real blessing for those receiving treatment.  They show care of the broader community, provide comfort, keep them 'entertained' during treatments and some items help 'overcome' impacts from the treatment. 

Chemo Care Kits can include such items as: hand sanitizer, warm fuzzy socks, hand warmers, sleep/eye masks, lotion, Lemon Drops, Crossword/Word Find puzzle books, journals, magazines, adult coloring books, color pencils/crayons, any items that can provide comfort or entertainment to the patient.  A small bag to store all of these items is super convenient.  Many of these items can be found at Dollar Tree or Dollar General.  

Can you find a way to 'rally the troops' and help us to help our cancer patients by joining our Campaign Chemo Care Kits Project today?  Your neighbors will be most appreciative.  

Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital Knitter/Crocheter Project.  

If you are a knitter/crocheter, would you consider making a shawl (or two)? Baby hats/booties?  These shawls/hats/booties are given to patients of Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital.  Patients may be from our UW Cancer Center in Wisconsin Rapids, the Dialysis Center or in our Family Birthplace.  To assure that we keep a supply of these beautiful hand-crafted items on hand we need to keep knitting/crocheting.

Because these items are being given to patients receiving medical treatment there are a few criteria that need to be met:        Items must be knit/crocheted in a non-smoking environment;

                      Items need to be made from machine washable and dryable yarn.

                      Rectangular shawls should measure approximately 24” by 60”.

                      Triangular shawls should measure approximately 60” across the top.

                      Shawl must not be fringed.

                      Softer yarns are best for infant items.

Thank you for your help.  This is a great way to show patients “We Care”

Teens, do you have a heart for helping others?  If so, join our Compassion Crew at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospitals & Clinics as we make every encounter with patients and visitors story worthy.  There are several areas within the hospital that we could use your compassionate help including - the front desk, the Emergency Department, the Cancer Center, and our surgical areas.  Our patients and visitors may need help finding their way, a moment of hospitality to ease possible stress/worry and a smile to help them feel welcome and important.   Reach out today to get involved in this important work.  All positions require Aspirus background and health screening.  Request your packet today and get your process started.    

Do you care about access to healthful fresh hot meals for our community?   If you have at least two hours a week, you can give to this cause. You may be just the hero we’re looking for! 

We’re searching for Meal Delivery Heroes to deliver fresh hot meals to community members who would not otherwise have access. On the job, you’ll pick up pre-packed meals prepared by the Food and Nutrition Services staff of the hospital, organized for you to deliver them to 5-15 locations on nearby pre-established routes.  We need volunteers who can commit to at least one scheduled shift per week taking place on Monday through Friday.

Your time commitment would be two hours or less, including pick-up and delivery.  Our mission is to provide fresh hot meals to community members that would otherwise be without, and the Meal Delivery Hero program is a big part of that vision, as it helps us include those who are unable to travel to our location.  Join our fleet of Meal Delivery Heroes today! Once you’ve completed your application form, you’re required to complete a background and health check, attend orientation, and then go on a route with an experienced Hero to train in our team process.

Is this your calling?  Give us a call today!

Aspirus Cancer Care in Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital is looking for compassionate and caring individuals to be a welcoming presence for our Cancer Center patients and visitors.  Greeting patients and their family/friends as they await appointments or while receiving treatment provides comfort to those we serve.  Offering refreshments of coffee, tea, water or hot chocolate to patients/visitors can relieve their stress.  Keeping our infusion area prepped and ready for later patients helps the staff be more present to their current patients.  All of these small, caring tasks are a welcome reprieve in a potentially stressful time - are you being called to be this caring presence?   Clearance of health and background check screening will be necessary prior to being scheduled for a shift.  Call today to get your packet and get your process started.   

Warm and friendly personalities are invited to be the first line greeters for patients and visitors at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital and Clinics, Inc. helping them to feel welcome.   You would assist with wayfinding throughout the hospital complex; transport, via wheelchair, patients to/from various departments for services; perform infection control procedures by cleaning wheelchairs between patients; and generally being a welcoming presence for all those we serve.   All volunteers must complete the hospital background and health screening before serving on any shifts.  Give us a call to get your packet of materials to get your process started today.