Volunteer Story

Rewarding Work

Volunteer uses his magic to help kids at Children's Hospital

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin volunteer Jim Krznarich is just a big kid at heart. He's often spotted throughout the hospital playing video games or foosball and although he may struggle changing their outfits, he's great with Barbie dolls. Since March of 2002, Krznarich has been dedicated to helping the young patients at Children's Hospital forget, if even for only a moment, they are sick.

"It's my job to make the kids laugh, play and have fun," Krznarich said.

Since medical problems brought on early retirement from a sheet metal job, Krznarich found himself with a lot of extra time. He attended a Children's Hospital Volunteer Services orientation and knew instantly he had to be a part of it.

"I've always really enjoyed working with kids. In fact, I wanted to perform magic for kids at parties, but never really pursued it beyond a hobby," Krznarich said.

Now, Krznarich is able to use his magic tricks, among other things, to keep kids occupied in all sorts of situations. He often spends time with kids whose parents aren't able to be with them during the day or kids who have lengthy hospital stays. Krznarich has a special knack with kids of all ages. He's hip enough to chat with adolescents about the latest music videos, bands and sports, yet he's always up for arts and crafts or watching a Disney video.

"I really relate well with kids and it's very rewarding when I meet a child who is initially scared and quiet, but by the time I leave is smiling and laughing," Krznarich said. According to Krznarich, the well-stocked playrooms and the child-friendly environment at Children's Hospital make entertaining kids a snap. In addition to caring for kids, Children's Hospital provides family-centered care, which means caring for the entire family.

"I treat volunteering like it is my job," Krznarich said.

Krznarich also volunteers in the hospital's gift shop. Although the gift shop, run solely by volunteers, may not provide as much one-on-one contact with children, it is a place for visitors to find that perfect something that will make their loved one's day.

"Many of our volunteers are here to help children," Volunteer Services Manager Lori Grassel said. "But that doesn't always mean playing with kids or holding babies. There is so much more." In fact, there are about 300 active volunteers at Children's Hospital who help out with anything from food service and distribution to staffing the information desk.

During the orientations, potential volunteers learn about the hospital's needs and are asked to commit to volunteering two to four hours a day once a week for a six-month period. Although Volunteer Services attempts to match volunteers with positions that meet their primary objectives, flexibility is important.

Krznarich himself has been busy training to volunteer in other areas of the hospital.
"I want to learn everything I can so if the hospital needs me, I can be plugged into any role at any time," he said. It's the gratification and bond he builds with patients that drives Krznarich to be involved in volunteering. "I can't imagine not coming here," Krznarich said. "And at the end of each day it's very hard to leave.