FAQ

VOLUNTEER

Meet a heart. Raise a heart. Save a heart.

Our volunteer opportunities provide a behind-the-scenes look into the Save a Child's Heart Children’s Home.

What is the minimum age requirement for volunteering?

The minimum age for volunteering at the SACH Children’s Home is 18, however there are many ways to get involved with SACH prior to your 18th birthday! Please visit our fundraising page to see how you can contribute to saving a child’s life.

What is the time commitment for volunteering?

The minimum commitment for an immersive volunteer is 3 weeks. 
The minimum commitment for a superstar volunteer or a buddy volunteer is 2 months. 
For more information about both programs please visit our volunteer page: https://saveachildsheart.org/our-volunteers

Who should my reference letter be from?

Your reference letter should be from a past employer or teacher - someone who can vouch for your abilities and share a bit about you and your skills

Why do I need to fundraise?

Fundraising toward a life-saving operation was introduced to the volunteer program as a way to bring the volunteer community together to save a life each year. The program is also the best proven way for volunteers to spread awareness about Save a Child's Heart with  friends and family back home, amplifying your impact and voice while connecting more people to our life-saving mission.

What is the application process?

1) Submit your application here with the required forms (resume/CV and one recommendation letter).

2) You will be contacted for an interview by Daniella, our International Young Leadership Coordinator. Please allow up to two weeks for us to contact you.

Why do I need to complete a medical form for volunteering?

For your safety as well as the safety of the children, we require certain immunizations. This is to make sure that you have immunity against common diseases and viruses. All immunizations that we require are common for children who grow up in the developed world to receive. If you have not received any of the vaccinations that we require, you must receive them prior to volunteering.

What documents would i need before my arrival to israel?

1. Medical Form
2. Certificate of integrity - a form signed by the police saying you're certified to work with children, a criminal background check. You can get one by contacting your local police.
3. Proof of your insurance - we will need you to send a document\ photo showing us proof you have insurance for your time in Israel.
4.A photocopy of your passport.

Why do I need to provide proof of insurance?

This is a requirement for all volunteers. This is to ensure that in the event something happens to you while you are at the house, you have medical insurance to cover you to seek medical care.

Do I need a volunteer visa to volunteer at SACH?

No, you do not have to get a volunteer visa to volunteer with us.

What does a day look like for immersive volunteers at the sach children's home?

As an immersive volunteer, shifts are scheduled Sunday – Thursday.
There are two shifts:

Morning shifts: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

9:00 - Arrive, put belongings in the playroom, check in with Daniella to see if there are any groups to prepare for. Take out age appropriate toys (make sure there is something for everyone) divide between yourselves for free play. 

10:00- check the activity schedule to see who is in charge of today's first activity, if it is  you- start setting up, if it is your friend see if they need any help. 11:00- Second activity (check activity schedule etc) 

11:45 - Clean up time, work with other volunteers to engage the children to help put all of the toys away into the playroom and wipe down chairs and tables. Once the toys are put into the playroom, please have the children go to the kitchen to wash their hands for lunch. 

Afternoon shifts: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

4:00 - Arrive, put belongings in playroom, check with Daniella to see if there are any groups to prepare for, and check the activity schedule to see who is in charge of today's first activity, if it is  you- start setting up, if it is your friend see if they need any help. 

4:45- Clean up activity.  Take out age appropriate toys (make sure there is something for everyone) divide between yourselves for free play. 

5:45 - Clean up time, work with other volunteers to engage the children to help put all of the toys out into the playroom. Make sure the lights in the bathroom are off, turn off the lights in the playroom and lock the door.

What does a day look like for superstar volunteers?

As a superstar volunteer shifts are scheduled Sunday – Thursday, in the Children's home and hospital. 

When working at the Children's home your schedule is the same as an immersive volunteer (see question above). 

Hospital:
Monday and Tuesday-
9:30- Arrive, go to the 1st floor (clinic) and take out age appropriate toys from the toy room. 

11:45- Clean up toys, kids have lunch break 13:00- Take out age appropriate toys. 

14:30- Clean up, make sure everything is back in the toy room!

Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday-
9:30- Arrive, go to the 5th floor. Start by asking the educational staff who is in the ward, do a good morning round. 

10:00-12:00- Play with the children in the playroom, check if there are any children that want to play in their rooms as they may be too tired to leave their beds. 

12:00- Lunch break 

1:00-2:30- Same as the morning, always check in with the educational staff if they need any help. Please do not hesitate to contact Daniella if you ever feel lost or have any questions.

Does the Children’s Home keep Kosher and Shabbat?

No. We have people living in the SACH Children’s Home from all over the world, so the house is not Kosher, nor is Shabbat kept. Just because the house does not keep Kosher or Shabbat, does not mean that you cannot volunteer if you do. We have plenty of volunteers who keep both Kosher and Shabbat and the house is comfortable for them. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own pot/pan to cook and use ingredients in the house to do so. It is also possible to keep Shabbat in the house; Saturday is usually a relatively quiet day and there is nothing that you will be required to do that would make you break Shabbat.

What is the dress code in the house?

The dress code in the house is comfortable and covered. Although the environment in the house is casual, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Please refrain from wearing low cut tops, short skirts, or short shorts when you are in the house and interacting with the children.

We recommend not wearing expensive clothing when playing with the children – activities can be messy!

Comfortable does not mean pajamas! We have many visitors and important people come to the house, so please have that in mind when you are packing.

What should I prepare for my time at the SACH house?

We ask that you gather ideas for your time at the house. It can be a bit of an adjustment to being in the house during the first couple days and it may slip your mind to plan activities for all of the children. The goal is for the children to do at least one craft or activity every morning and afternoon. We want you to come to the house with at least a few ideas of activities that you already have the intention of completing. Your goals and ideas may change when you get here and get a full assessment of the supplies that we have, and that is okay!

What language is spoken in the house?

English is the predominant language spoken at the house. The mothers and nurses who do speak English often act as translators for the children who do not speak English.  Many people ask how it is possible to communicate with the children given the language barrier.  The answer is that when it comes to playing with the children, laughing, smiling, and facial expressions end up doing most of the talking!

What are the expectations for volunteering at SACH once I am in Israel?

We want you to come to the house with at least a few ideas of activities that you already have the intention of completing. Your goals and ideas may change when you get here and get a full assessment of the supplies that we have, and that is okay!

Keep the playroom neat and tidy.

Be on time and present for all shifts that you are scheduled for and act responsible for the well-being of all children in the house.

Complete your #EndlessLev fundraiser no more than a month after your volunteering ends.

Contribute to at least one post to our volunteer blog.

I have a friend/family member that wants to visit me while I am volunteering. Can he/she come?

You must ask Daniella in advance if your friend/family member can come to the house. It is always preferred for them to come on a SACH Sunday, if there is one during your time at the house.

Still have unanswered questions? Feel free to email our Young Leadership Coordinator at ylcoordinator@saveachildsheart.org

"I have learned more about myself and the world I live in than I ever thought I would in the brief two weeks working at SACH."

-Leia Serlin 

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