Costs to volunteer

@JenBth (75)
United States
August 27, 2009 6:19pm CST
I know someone who signed up to volunteer at a local hospital and they are making him pay for his shirt, name tag, physical and TB test. Do you think it is acceptable for a facility where you are donating your time, effort and skills to insist on you paying for all of this things? I think at least some of this, if not all of it should be included free as they are getting free labor. Any thoughts?
2 responses
@lumenmom (1986)
• United States
1 Sep 09
As a person who volunteers a lot, I would not mind footing some of the expense but that does seem to be a bit extreme. If nothing else the physical and TB test should be free.
• United States
28 Aug 09
Yes, you would think it should be free. However, I know that many places that have volunteers do not have the money to provide specifics for them either. Some do, but some do not. I volunteered at an animal shelter and they ave their volunteers a t shirt from the kennel. I currently volunteer and I have to dress up, so I have had to make sure that I have dress clothes. I have had to purchase several items. I guess it depends on how much you want to volunteer. If you cannot afford something you can always ask for help with the supervisor.