Volunteers have played an important role at Saratoga Hospital since its founding in 1891 by a local group of prominent women determined to meet their community's desperate need for medical care. Since then, the efforts of countless volunteers have enabled the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild to donate millions of dollars for hospital projects and programs. All of our volunteers are member of the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild. Volunteers donate over 60,000 hours of service each year. In recognition of its extraordinary contributions to Saratoga Hospital and the community, the Guild has been honored three times with the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) Auxiliary of the Year Award.
Volunteer Services also recruits, interviews, and sets up training for volunteers to serve on Saratoga Hospital's main campus, as well as our offsite locations. We could not be more grateful to our many volunteers.
Our Volunteer Services department is the Hospital’s liaison with the Volunteer Guild. The department is responsible for recruitment, training, retention and management, as well as encouragement, recognition, and support for volunteers throughout their service.
Additionally, Volunteer Services manages 90 volunteers at our two retail locations, Gift Shoppe and Treasures Consignment Boutique and Thrift Shoppe, as well as 16 staff members in the greeter program at various front desks.
The Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild, formed in 1948, currently consists of more than 120 active volunteers. The Guild has a formal structure with quarterly meetings, as required by the Guild’s bylaws, which provide recognition, education, and informational sessions for volunteers. The Guild’s elected leaders report regularly to Saratoga Hospital’s Board of Trustees.
Eligibility
Volunteers must be:
- At least 16 years of age
- Able to commit to serving four hours per week for at least one year.
- Able to pass a general health assessment and be willing to attend the Hospital’s general orientation and training in their assigned area.
An application and interview are required.
Member Benefits
Our volunteers often say their primary benefit is in the joy of giving by serving those in need of medical care. We believe our volunteers deserve so much more. In gratitude, our Volunteer Guild members additionally receive discounts and enjoy a number of recognition events throughout the year.
Become a Volunteer
We welcome new volunteers and invite you to complete an application, mailing or emailing it to the contact information found at the bottom of the page.
Volunteer Guild Contributions
The Volunteer Guild provides much-needed benefits to Saratoga Hospital departments and programs, both financially and in service hours. Over the years, the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has donated more than $5 million to Hospital projects and programs, consulting with the Hospital’s philanthropic arm, Saratoga Hospital Foundation, to identify recipients. Among other Guild contributions, Treasures Consignment Boutique and Thrift Shoppe partners with over two dozen local agencies to provide clothing and household articles for those in need, and several of our volunteers serve as “Reading Buddies” at Geyser Road Elementary School.
Scholarships
Since 1990, the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has offered scholarships to high school seniors in the Saratoga County area interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. This year, the Guild is offering up to five $2000 scholarships.
Scholarship Description & Requirements
2024 Application
SSOAR Program
SSOAR (Students Sharing Opportunities and Responsibilities) is a unique summer youth program for rising high school juniors and seniors. Students earn community service hours while volunteering at Saratoga Hospital. Students accepted into the program generally complete two four-hour shifts over six weeks during the summer. You may learn more about the program here, and if you know a student interested in applying, please have them complete this application. Students must be at least 16-years-old to apply.
Questions? Please contact:
Elizabeth St. Pierre
Director of Volunteer Services
estpierre@saratogahospital.org
518-583-8447