Hospital Volunteer Services

Red Heart Program

We are looking for handmade crocheted hearts as pictured.  The hearts should be about 6 inches, red in color with the eyes, nose and legs. For patient safety, all facial features must be embroidered. No buttons, beads, safety eyes, or glued elements.  Yarn must be new and from a smoke-free household.  We are trying to create a standard look, so please use patterns such as that in the link at the bottom of the page.

Hearts may be brought or mailed to the Volunteer Office at the below address:

 Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center                                                                                    757 Westwood Plaza Suite B-791                                                                                              Los Angeles, CA 90095

Animals, Flowers, and Beanies Also Needed

Volunteer Services is also in need of small crocheted animals, flowers or beanies to give to our patients having a difficult day or undergoing cancer treatment.  Please email a photo of proposed crocheted item(s) to Carey McCarthy at [email protected]

Volunteer Hours Credit is Available – please inquire.

Per UCLA Health policy, one-off student shadowing by physicians or other medical professionals is not permitted, regardless if personally invited. In lieu of shadowing, we encourage students to join one of our many volunteer programs that involve patient interaction and provide service to the hospital.  Many of our volunteers who have participated in these programs have gained enriching clinical experience, without shadowing, which can be applied to medical school and other allied health careers applications. We encourage each individual to make the most of their volunteer experience in our other available opportunities.