Special Projects Volunteer:
This type of volunteer opportunity is very flexible. Usually groups participate in this manner, however individuals can participate as well. We have many needs that pop up from time to time and depending on the size and ability level of the group you could be asked to do any number of activities. for example someone or a group who comes in and cleans the kitchen, rearranges the linen closet, works in the garden, or stocks the pantry, etc. However, not all groups will find it most fulfilling to be handed a list of chores. For this reason we encourage a couple representatives to meet with the staff and tour the House keeping an eye out for projects they may see that their group would like to do. We can be very flexible with projects and want the groups experience to be as fulfilling for the group and the House as much as it can be.
Family Dinners Volunteer:
Our families love to have a home cooked meal all ready when they return from the hospital. If you are looking for an opportunity and don't have a lot of time to commit, this is a great way to really help our families out. The process is easy. Simply call the House and sign up for a day. We ask that you give us a call back the day you go to the grocery store or the day you cook the meal to get a head count. Occupancy changes daily at the House, so the closer to your assigned day you call, the more accurate that head count will be. Typically we have anywhere between ten and twenty family members at the House. We ask that the meals be ready to serve on your assigned day by 6:00 p.m. Many folks drop off their assembled casseroles or other baked dish early in the day. We can then put it in the oven and serve it fresh right at dinnertime. Other folks prefer to bring the meal already warm and ready to serve right at six o'clock.
Pop Tops:
This is one of our most popular ways to volunteer and is gaining serious momentum as time goes on. It's easy, just save the tops to soft drink cans and bring them to the House. We sell the tabs to Stratton Metals, a local recycling company, and use the money raised for House operations. While this fundraiser is a valuable one to us, there is another reason for collecting the tabs and that is to raise awareness for the Ronald McDonald House. The House can provide recepticles for collecting these as well as flyers describing what they are used for. Anywhere one of these recepticles is placed is another place that RMHC has gained more visibility in the community. This is a great way for the little ones to get involved. It can be done in classrooms, churches, places of business, or anywhere you get permission to put a collection box.
House Volunteer:
These folks take weekly or biweekly four-hour shift at the Ronald House. We ask that our House Volunteers make a year commitment to the House because of the amount of training that goes into this role. These volunteers answer phones, check in guests, clean rooms and common areas, and make folks feel welcome. There are currently several evening, daytime, and weekend spots open. If you are interested in an evening, daytime or weekend volunteer spot, please call the House and ask for an application. We are required to run criminal background checks on all volunteers that will have direct contact with families. This form can be filled out at the House since it needs to be notarized. Our Resident Manager/Volunteer Coordinator is a notary public.
If you'd like to participate in any of the opportunities we have, simply call the House to get the ball rolling. (804) 355-6517.
