<P> The term candy striper is derived from the red - and - white striped pinafores that female volunteers traditionally wore in the United States, and are culturally reminiscent of candy canes . The term and its associated uniform are less frequently used in current clinical settings . </P> <P> Another hospital volunteer organization sponsored by the American Red Cross, was the "Blue Teens" who wore blue - and - white striped pinafores . The female adult volunteers of this organization were known as "Grey Ladies" and wore light grey uniforms . </P> <P> In the United States, volunteers' services are of considerable importance to individual patients as well as the health care system in general . Some people volunteer during high school or college (and more rarely at the middle school level), out of curiosity about health - care professions, an interest in learning to be of service in a community volunteer organization, or in order to satisfy community service requirements as required by some schools . Additionally, other people choose to volunteer at later stages in their life, particularly after retirement . </P> <P> Candy Stripers originated as a high - school civics class project in East Orange, New Jersey, in 1944 . The uniforms were sewn by the girls in the class from material provided by the teacher--a red - and - white - striped fabric known as "candy stripe". The students chose East Orange General Hospital as the home for their class project . </P>

When are volunteers used to assist nurses and enhance patient care
find me the text answering this question