CRAIGIEBURN resident Anita Mathew became a Starlight Foundation volunteer five years ago to repay the organisation that helped her and son Justin when he was born.
Justin, now 14, had to visit the Royal Children's Hospital for blood transfusions and used the Starlight room there for solace.
Ms Mathew said this help was a "driving factor" in her decision to be a volunteer.
"Children are the future of the world and Starlight is a cause worth focusing energy on."
For Starlight Day 2010, Ms Mathew is volunteering with others at the Werribee Plaza.
Starlight needs 7000 volunteers to collect donations and sell merchandise in shopping centres, central business districts and rail stations nationally between May 6-9.
The Starlight Children's Foundation needs support to help raise $2.8million to ensure it can brighten the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children.
CEO Louise Baxter said the need for Starlight's programs was increasing, with a child admitted to a hospital in Australia every minute.
"Starlight's programs are an integral part of the total pediatric care for seriously ill children," she said.
More than 600,000 children are admitted to Australian hospitals every year and Starlight is able to reach only about a third.
Details: Starlight or call 1300727827.
Email a friend