early the value and pleasure of lending a helping hand, whether it be through trash-a-thons, selling tags, or contributing to an established organisation such as the Candy Stripers.

A junior arm of the Women's Hospital Auxiliary, the Candy Stripers has been in existence since the 1960s, and takes its name from the red and white striped uniforms which its members wear.

From small beginnings, today's membership has grown to almost 100 boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18.

Their mission is to serve wherever required in both the King Edward and St.

Brendan's hospitals, as well as at Agape House, the hospice for the terminally ill.

Duties are as varied as the teens who perform them, which is part of the organisation's attraction.

"Candy stripers work in all areas of the hospital, including the gift shop, Coffee Shop, pharmacy, admissions and emergency departments, the children's ward, and the extended care unit,'' their chairman, Mrs. Penny Ray, explained.

"Some of their many duties include delivering flowers and menus to patients on the wards, counting pills in the pharmacy and delivering prescriptions to the wards, playing with and bathing children, feeding patients, coming their hair and reading to them in the extended care unit, and serving or preparing food in the Coffee Shop.'' Preparing swabs and surgical instruments for sterilisation and working in the tuck shop at St. Brendan's are another facets of their work.

Mrs. Ray admits that not all of the chores have equal appeal -- the children's ward, for example is especially popular, counting pills less so -- so care is taken to rotate duty rosters, not only to keep enthusiasm high but also to give a broader insight into the workings of a hospital.

Typically, Candy Stripers work three-hour shifts three days a week during school holidays, and one shift on alternate Saturdays when school is in.

"Each girl works one month in the summer, either July or August,'' Mrs. Ray explained. "During term time they work one shift on alternate Saturdays, so we need approximately 45 Stripers working each Saturday.'' On-the-job training for new recruits comes through working alongside their senior peers, as well as the Women's Hospital Auxiliary volunteers, or Pink Ladies as they are popularly known.

Stripes and badges are earned according to the number of hours the Stripers put in, and at the annual awards ceremony in January not only these badges of honour but also six coveted proficiency awards and the Candy Striper of the Year accolade are handed out in front of hospital officials, family members and dignitaries.

Special events mark the Candy Stripers' year. At Christmas, they tour the wards, with one dressed as Santa Claus, singing carols and distributing homemade cookies to the patients. A similar venture at Easter includes one dressing as the Easter Bunny.

Mrs. Ray has high praise for the teenaged volunteers under her "command'', whom she describes as "excellent, hard-working and dedicated''.

"People decry youth these days, but I don't have any problems. I really like working with the girls because they are such a nice group. In any case, the sort of person who wants to do community service is generally very nice.'' The chairman is further delighted by the fact that the Candy Stripers represent a broad cross-section of Bermuda's high school students.

Indeed, not every aspirant to the attractive red and white striped uniform is successful. Applicants are carefully screened to make sure they understand the level of dedication and commitment required. "For the initial interview, I make sure a parent accompanies the applicant so that they both understand what is required,'' Mrs. Ray said. "I explain very carefully that being a Candy Striper is a serious commitment, and not something to be undertaken lightly because other people rely on them. Even though they are not paid, it is like a proper job.'' Which is not to suggest that being a Candy Striper is drudgery -- far from it.

"I tell them that it is fun, but they are also making a valuable contribution to the hospitals. The Women's Hospital Auxiliary donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to the hospital each year, and this is because of all the work the Pink Ladies and Candy Stripers do.

"Last year the Candy Stripers contributed 3750 volunteer hours to the hospital, which is a lot. I think they understand the importance of their work.'' While the chairman admits that final-year high school students, in particular, find it difficult to juggle their responsibilities, they nonetheless are willing to make the appropriate shift adjustments ensure that the organisation runs smoothly.

As with all hospital personnel, the importance of confidentiality is driven home to all the Candy Stripers.

"I tell them that whatever they see or hear during the course of their duties must remain with them, and not be discussed with anyone,'' Mrs. Ray said.

And just who is eligible to become a Candy Striper? "Any boy or girl between the ages of 14 and 18,'' the chairman said. "Application forms are available throughout the year from the Women's Hospital Auxiliary at King Edward, but we only take in new recruits during the summer at the beginning of the school holiday. Candy Stripers are selected on the basis of interviews and references supplied by school guidance counsellors.'' Membership includes a one-time fee of $1, plus $5 for the uniform. The uniform for boys, incidentally, is white shorts and knee socks, and a pink shirt with WHA embroidered on the pocket -- the same as it is for the male equivalent of the Pink Ladies.

Although there are no males within the Candy Striper ranks at present, Mrs.

Ray hopes that will change at the next intake.

"In fact, one Candy Striper of the Year was a boy,'' she noted. The organisation awards four scholarships each year to students completing their senior studies locally. Each is worth $1000.

Many use skills acquired as Candy Stripers to earn pocket money -- as waitresses, for example, and more than a few have been motivated to pursue a career in nursing as a result of their volunteer work.

SPECIAL DELIVERY -- Candy Stripers Chloe Cressall, left and Andrea Simons deliver patients' flowers.

AT YOUR SERVICE -- Giovanna Watson, left, serve fresh coffee at the Coffee Shop with a smile. At the cold drinks machine is fellow candy Striper Jane Hammond.

COME AGAIN -- Candy Striper Brooke Pedro packs purchases for a customer at King Edward hospital's gift shop.