Volunteers
The members of Nydia Temple No. 4 donate their time, talents, and generosity to the Shriners Children’s Hospital-Portland, as well as the Shriners Children’s Hospital-Honolulu. Our Supreme Temple assigns hospitals to each Daughters of the Nile Temple in our organization and these have been assigned to Nydia. We are truly fortunate to have a premier hospital right here in our home town.
Volunteers from Nydia Temple contribute over 8,000 hours of service at the Portland hospital each year. They may serve as drivers of the hospital vans, do clerical work, assist in Child Life, sew needed items and quilts with the Nydia Sewing Committee, and host monthly parties for the patients and their families. To work at the hospital, a volunteer must pass a mandatory tuberculosis test, go through an orientation program, and be certified. The Sewing Committee and the Hospital Party Committee members are appointed by the Queen and eligible volunteers may ask to be added to those.
Annually, Nydia members contribute in-kind items such as toiletries, books, toys, games, fabric, and more totaling in excess of $80,000. The Al Kader Shriners Hospital Support Club welcomes volunteers from Daughters of the Nile to participate in their activities, as well.
Here is specific information on some of our Volunteer opportunities. There’s something for EVERYONE! For more information on volunteering, contact our Queen, Pr. Recorder, or the chairman of a committee.
Hospital Support
Al Kader Shriners formed this Club to help support and publicize the Shriners hospitals and the fraternity. Anyone that supports the hospital and their mission is welcome to join and work with them. The club participates in parades with their special float, community events, and any place that they can offer information about the hospital system. They are easily recognizable by their vests and other identity wear and their enthusiasm.
Hospital Sewing
Ladies of the Sewing Committee work at the Portland Hospital every Tuesday in their beautiful sewing room with the million-dollar view. They provide items for the patients including wheelchair bags, shorts for tests, belonging bags, pillowcases and matching lap quilts, and many specialty items. Sometimes they are asked to do repairs or to design a special item. The most treasured item that they produce is the “Transition Quilt” presented to a patient as they graduate out of the Shriners system. Opportunities are available for ladies that may not be able to work directly at the hospital, as well. At-home sewing is gratefully accepted and there are groups that meet in the evening or at other locations to sew, as well.
As the expense of shipping items to the Shriners Children’s Hospital-Honolulu is prohibitive, our members donate gift cards (Walmart, Target, VISA, etc.) that can be used by the hospital to purchase what they need. Individuals, Clubs and Units make generous donations every year.
Below are tried and true instructions for making much needed items at the Shriners Children’s Hospital-Portland. We hope you enjoy making these useful things.
Fabric Needed for Nydia Temple Nile Sewing
Hospital Welcome Bag – Single Layer
Hospital Parties
Parties are hosted each month for the patients, their families, and staff at the Portland hospital. Our volunteers provide cake, ice cream, gifts, and entertainment for everyone. Clowns from Afifi Shriners join with our ladies to make this an eventful activity. The reigning Queen makes an appearance and greets the patients. Often, a little girl may be given the opportunity to wear a crown!
SPECIAL ITEMS NEEDED FOR PARTIES: Gift cards for teens (music, computer games, etc.), games, books for older children, pre-teen toys, science kits/educational toys
