In biblical times, the Good Samaritan was a volunteer who, unbidden, performed a service for a fellow human being. At the medical center, the Guilds of Good Samaritan carry on that tradition. The Guilds are volunteer organizations with an elected Central Council who give their time, treasure and talent to benefit the hospital with service and the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation with donations.  Recent beneficiaries have included cardiology and pediatrics.

In addition to fundraising activities, including a seven day-a-week gift shop, five day-a-week thrift shop, five day-a-week gift cart, vendor sales, newspaper sales and Cradle Club, the Guild volunteers coordinate all the volunteer service positions in the hospital.  More than 600 Guild members support the hospital in various ways and also coordinate a junior volunteer program for students ages 14-18.

Senior Volunteer Program – 18 years and older

Commitment: - 50-hours-per-year, minimum, usually accomplished in 4-hour shifts, once a week.

All applicants must complete an application in the volunteer office.  A brochure will provide the applicant with available areas of service.  The applicant is asked to identify his/her free time and areas of interest.  Every effort will be made to match a volunteer with an open opportunity of his/her choosing.  Once selected and assigned an interview, orientation, medical clearance, uniform purchase and security badge will be required. Please note, physicals are offered Thursday afternoons, so be prepared to make that time commitment approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours).

During the interview, the applicant will be asked to join a guild.  This is an opportunity for the volunteer to participate (on any level he/she chose) in the fund raising, friend-raising, leadership and program aspects of guilds activities.

In 2009, the Guilds donated more than $300,000 to cardiology services and 800 volunteers gave more than 62,000 hours of service in various areas. The Guild fund raisers include a thriving gift and thrift shops, baby photos, newspapers, vendor sales, flower sales, bake sales and other individual Guild events.

Volunteers work in almost all departments and their time, energy and talents are an invaluable contribution to the overall operation of the Medical Center.

Recognition and Appreciation:

Free parking

Free cup of coffee or tea daily

Free lunch for each 20 hours of service

Tracking of service hours for recognition and awards

Monthly Central Council meetings providing important information about Guild activities, advocacy and hospital issues and plans (food is provided).

Please contact Sue Grimm, Coordinator of Volunteers at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 631-376-3659

Junior Volunteer Program

The hospital’s popular junior volunteer program is for qualified 14 to 18 year olds.

Commitment: 50 hours over the course of the volunteer time period, usually accomplished in 2 ½- to 3- hour shifts, once a week.

Junior volunteers are assigned to more than 11 different areas in the Medical Center and work in shift times that are geared to after school and weekends.  The junior volunteer coordinators work carefully with students to accommodate changing school and extra-curricular activities, but are looking for a committed volunteer.

The applicant or family member must pick up an application packet in the Volunteer Office.  Once all paper work is received, the prospective junior volunteer will be contacted to schedule an appointment for the first of two PPD tests (for tuberculosis).  After the applicant receives medical clearance, an interview will be scheduled.  At the interview, the volunteer will receive a job assignment, orientation, purchase a uniform and review policies.  The junior volunteer desk is open after 2:00 pm on weekdays, but the Volunteer office is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Becoming a junior volunteer is both an honor and privilege.  The contributions of junior volunteers are invaluable to both the student and the hospital.  In addition, qualified junior volunteers may be invited to apply for a scholarship.  There are also opportunities for them to participate in special projects or events.

Recognition and Appreciation:

Hours tracked and forms and letters issued for school and college applications
Certificate/patch for 100 hours of service
Qualify to apply for a scholarship

Please contact Sue Grimm at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 631-376-3659

Or Judy Jackson, Coordinator, Junior Volunteers at 631-376-3396

Student Volunteers- 18 and over

The student volunteer process is the same as the senior volunteer process.  The Medical Center seeks a commitment of a minimum of 50 hours; however, it may be possible to arrange for longer shifts, depending on availability.  Joining a guild is an option for a student, but his/her hours will still be tracked for reporting purposes.

Thrift Shop

The Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center Thrift Shop is operated by an association of volunteers dedicated to serving the local community.  The thrift shop provides quality goods at affordable prices.  Its primary focus is to generate donation sales in order to make financial contributions to The Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation.  The thrift shop is committed to the mission of Catholic Health Services of Long Island and affirms that all are welcomed with dignity and respect.