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Volunteer: Gift of Life Howie’s House

We rely on our dedicated ambassadors to educate the community about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Learn more about our Ambassador Program and how you can get involved.

The Leong Family serves dinner for guests at Gift of Life Howie's House through the Home Cook Heroes Program
The Leong Family serves dinner for guests at Gift of Life Howie’s House through the Home Cook Heroes Program

Gift of Life Howie’s House is a “home away from home” for transplant patients and their families. It provides affordable, temporary lodging and support services to those who travel to Philadelphia for transplant-related care and sometimes must be away from home for weeks or even months at a time.

Gift of Life Howie’s House exudes a warm, friendly atmosphere and volunteers play a big role in making it making so welcoming.

There are a number of ways for you to get involved.

Home Cook Heroes

Home Cook Heroes helps ensure that Gift of Life Howie’s House guests have a warm, delicious meal with family and friends after a long day in the hospital. Volunteers prepare and serve tasty dinners and weekend brunches for up to 60 people.

Home Cook Heroes is a great way for individuals and groups to get together and let transplant families unwind while enjoying a communal, nourishing meal. Whether it’s your coworkers, classmates, family or friends, you are sure to have a fun, meaningful experience planning and serving a meal to our families.

Learn more about Home Cook Heroes

Baked goods program
Jefferson Respiratory team bakes at Gift of Life Howie's House
Jefferson Respiratory team bakes at Gift of Life Howie’s House

The smell and taste of fresh baked   goods are the perfect way to help families truly feel at home at Gift of Life Howie’s House. Making cookies and other baked treats is fun, as well as a great way for youth groups, such as Scouts and school clubs, to experience the spirit of volunteerism. The more treats, the better! Please contact Jolene Fulmore to find more information on how your group can get involved.

Evening kitchen specialist

Are you a whiz in the kitchen? Consider being a Gift of Life Howie’s House kitchen specialist, where you’ll oversee Home Cook Heroes groups as they provide nourishing meals for our guests. Also, for nights when there are no Home Cook Heroes, kitchen supervisors assist management and staff with preparing, serving and cleaning up meals. For more information contact  Jolene Fulmore.

Host arts & crafts, games, and family activities

Activities happen every night of the week at Gift of Life Howie’s House. Playing games or doing arts & crafts and other activities enables transplant families to socialize and take their minds off health related concerns.

Individuals or small groups are welcome to organize and lead activities and games. It’s entertaining for everyone involved.

Learn more about hosting activities at Gift of Life Howie’s House

Host a fundraiser

From golf outings to bake sales to garage sales, there are a many ways to fundraise for Gift of Life Howie’s House.

The Smith Family hosts a Wish List Drive to donate supplies for Gift of Life Howie's House
The Smith Family hosts a Wish List Drive to donate supplies for Gift of Life Howie’s House

Anyone can host an event: Individuals, families, friends, classmates, coworkers, organizations and more. Fundraisers are also a good way for kids to get involved and gain community service hours while learning more about our important mission.

Be creative and have fun!

Learn more about hosting a Gift of Life Howie’s House fundraiser

Be a shuttle driver

If you have a car and time to spare you can help our guests by providing free transportation to and from the hospital. It’s an ideal way for you to interact with Gift of Life Howie’s House guests while also saving them from having to navigate the city on their own.

You must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.

Gift of Life Howie’s House Volunteer Application