The number of nursery volunteers in area hospitals has surged in the last few years; many facilities that don't allow volunteers in their nurseries are seeing an increase in inquiries.

Some of the interest can be traced to several Chicago hospitals, where hug-a-baby programs for drug-addicted or HIV-positive infants, who require constant attention, have elicited long volunteer waiting lists and media coverage. Many inner-city medical facilities have Du Page residents on their volunteer lists for these programs. Other residents turn to community hospitals to volunteer their time, effort and enthusiasm.

Ori Montgomery, a Downers Grove resident and mother of two toddlers, donates two hours a week at nearby Good Samaritan Hospital. When it's pointed out that it seems odd to go from one young environment to another, Montgomery grins.