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²¨É«µ¥Ë«, Jacksonville is grateful for our volunteers who share their passion and bring smiles to our children and families.

With projects led by compassionate volunteers and local artists, these creative souls inspire children and teens to paint, draw, play instruments, listen to music, write stories and participate in other expressive activities while in our outpatient waiting areas and treatment rooms.

Creativity of any kind helps kids explore and identify feelings, deal with emotions and heal faster. In fact, it’s well documented that engaging in creative activities can help:

• improve cognitive skills
• express feelings
• increase awareness of others/self
• enhance emotional/physical well being
• improve self-satisfaction
• manage pain
• improve speech and language skills
• and more

Program Activities

We’re fortunate to have a lively expressive arts program that includes:

• Arts and Crafts

  Dedicated volunteers lead the kids in a variety of craft projects in the waiting areas. Both children and parents especially enjoy the many ways a paper plate can be transformed into a work of art.

• Music

  Volunteer musicians often share soothing, kid-friendly tunes on the guitar, piano or violin. The children love learning about instruments, especially when they can strum a chord or two.

• Creative Writing

  Thanks to donations from a local best-selling author, kids of all ages can’t wait to fill in their own plot twists and turns in a guided writing series. Volunteers also help children write poems and rhymes.

Do you have a talent?

We love community volunteers who are willing to share their special talents with our kids. If you’re interested, please contact the volunteer director.