Candy stripers what were they?

"Candy stripers" were teenage volunteers who worked in hospitals, usually wearing red and white striped uniforms. They were primarily active in the 1940s and 1950s.

Here's what you should know about them:

* Volunteer Work: Candy stripers provided a variety of services in hospitals, such as:

* Assisting nurses with patient care.

* Running errands for doctors and nurses.

* Comforting and entertaining patients.

* Providing companionship to patients.

* Uniforms: The iconic red and white striped uniform was a common sight in hospitals, giving rise to the name "candy stripers."

* Motivation: Many candy stripers were motivated by a desire to help others and contribute to the community. They often saw it as a way to gain experience in the medical field or simply make a difference in the lives of others.

* Decline in Popularity: The term "candy striper" has fallen out of use in recent decades. This is largely due to:

* More Formal Volunteer Programs: Hospitals now have more structured and formal volunteer programs with specific roles and training.

* Changing Social Norms: The term "candy striper" was sometimes seen as outdated and even slightly condescending.

Although the "candy striper" era is largely over, the spirit of volunteerism and community service that they represented continues to thrive in hospitals and healthcare settings today.