Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers make our House a home. Families deeply appreciate the warm, caring support volunteers provide. There are many ways to make a difference at the Rochester Ronald McDonald House.

HouseWarmers

HouseWarmers are the heart of our Home. HouseWarmers volunteer in three-hour shifts from 9am-9pm 365 days a year. We ask HouseWarmers to commit to a minimum of one year of active service.

Tasks Include

• staffing the front desk
• answering the telephone
• greeting our guests and visitor
• accepting donations
• writing thank you notes
• stocking pantries and supply rooms, sanitizing
• assisting wherever needed in the House

Requirements

• must be at least 16 years old
• good mental and physical health
• ability and willingness to work with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures
• good written and verbal communication skills

Orientation

• attend orientation meeting (held monthly) for new HouseWarmers
• tour the House
• learn more about the role of a HouseWarmer

Training

• shadow an experienced HouseWarmer
• two three-hour sessions with the same trainer

Learning

• continue to learn while working with staff and other HouseWarmers

Application

• completion of application which includes background check that requires notarization
• positive results from reference checks
• clear background check

Other Volunteer Opportunities

House Dinners

Plan and serve a home cooked meal for our guest families. All groups are welcome and are not limited to community organizations, scout troops, school or religious groups, work teams, families and friends! Dinners are held Wednesday and Sunday evenings. More information about these meals is available in our House Dinner guidelines. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator to schedule a House Dinner date.

Handmade Blankets & Lap Quilts

Every family who stays at the House receives a handmade blanket for their child. Blankets and Lap Quilts are lovingly made by members of our community and are greatly appreciated. Sizes: Teen 4’ X 6’, Infant/Youth 3’ X 5’

Family Activities

Host a special activity to brighten the day for the children and families. Activities include but are not limited to arts & crafts, bingo, board games, movies, birthday and holiday theme parties. Family Activities are coordinated through our Child Life Specialist program.

Baking

Home-baked cookies and bars and healthy snack mixes are greatly appreciated. Please individually package 2-3 cookies/bars per ziploc bag.

Special Events

Volunteers are appreciated to support the many details of special events. Events are held throughout the year. Special Events raise awareness and funds for our Rochester House.

Volunteer Stories

I volunteer at the House because it is a rewarding experience. The opportunity to serve families in their time of need, to volunteer with others who all have interesting stories and graciously share their time and talents with the House, and to work with a staff that is so compassionate and genuine in all that they do is truly a blessing to me. After each shift I volunteer I stand in amazement of the generosity I witness while at the House. It is a joy to me to serve others and be among volunteers who enjoy giving to others too. Whether writing thank you notes, doing laundry, giving a tour, or offering a simple smile to a guest, I know that what I do as part of the Volunteer/Staff team at the House truly makes a difference in the lives of many, and that is why I volunteer!

Lindsay, HouseWarmer

Many of the families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House are quite vulnerable; they have a great deal at stake and do not have much control over their lives. Volunteering is a rewarding opportunity to provide them with assistance, information and a smile.

Mike, HouseWarmer

Someone said, some people want it to happen, others make it happen. I am proud to be part of the Ronald McDonald House that is making it happen. The satisfaction that I get after doing whatever little I do at the Ronald McDonald House is beyond words. Mother Teresa said, we can do no great things, only small things with great love. I want to continue to do these small things with great love. I want to continue to do these small things to the best of my ability so as to make my own life more fulfilling and hope that on the path of my selfish pursuit, I am able to sweeten someone else’s pain, if not for long, but only for a moment. The pleasure is mine and I am thankful to the Ronald McDonald House for allowing me to be a volunteer.

Sheba, HouseWarmer

HouseWarming makes my day. I look forward to coming.

Nina, HouseWarmer