A candy striper is a hospital volunteer who works without regular pay in a variety of healthcare settings, usually under the direct supervision of nurses. The term "candy striper" is derived from the red-and-white striped pinafores that female volunteers traditionally wore, which are culturally reminiscent of candy canes. The term and its associated uniform are less frequently used in current clinical settings. The duties of hospital volunteers vary widely depending upon the facility. Volunteers may work in staff reception areas and gift shops, file and retrieve documents and mails, take out trash, clean, provide administrative backup, assist with research by following. Hospital volunteers take on many roles, such as working in the gift shop, assisting in outpatient services, serving as greeters at the information desk, and providing guidance and directions to patients and visitors. The duties of candy stripers were to interact with patients, initiate recreational activities, help with feeding and caring for patients, and sometimes help with administrative tasks as well. It is not necessary for candy stripers to know CPR or the Heimlich maneuver or anything medical.