Youth Volunteers Collect Nearly 500 Items for Carilion Clothes Closet
Youth volunteers at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital concluded a clothes drive to replenish the hospital’s Clothes Closet — a repository of clothing for patients to wear upon discharge — collecting nearly 500 items of clothing for discharged patients.
Over the years, the youth volunteers have collected loose-fitting tops and bottoms to ensure that patient comfort continues even after patients leave the hospital.
“Our biggest priority is keeping things comfortable for the patient and simple for the clinician,” said Shanna Flowers, director of volunteer services at Carilion. “Clothes might be cut to provide life-saving care, or patients might unexpectedly have to travel far to receive care. Our youth volunteers go above and beyond to ensure that patients have the dignity of fresh, comfortable clothing upon discharge no matter what.”
Since the closet was established in 2016, volunteers have distributed nearly 4,000 articles of clothing. The project began when Susan Weiner, Carilion’s senior director of medical-surgical nursing, approached Flowers with the idea. The pair then collaborated on how best to execute it, eventually deciding to host an annual drive.
“Carilion employees have been very supportive since we started the clothes drive,” Flowers said. “The youth volunteers are also always compassionate. That’s one of the things that inspires the community to donate. When you have young people who are very enthusiastic, people respond to that, and they become enthusiastic as well.”
Each summer, high school students from across the Roanoke area volunteer at Carilion facilities. Many of these youth volunteers, like rising senior Claire Glover, have an interest in health sciences. They see the Carilion volunteer program as a way to acclimate themselves to the field while making a difference.
“With the clothes drive, a lot of people come in and it’s very unexpected, so we want to make sure they have what they need,” Glover said. Explaining her other duties around the hospital, Glover said her favorite thing to do is deliver flowers to the patients. “They’re always so happy when I stop by, and I love that.”
Carilion’s volunteer program welcomes donations and youth and adult applicants year-round. For more information about how to assist Carilion Guest and Volunteer Services in supporting patients, visit: https://carilionfoundation.org/GVS.