Volunteers are truly the heart of the operation at Ronald McDonald House Charities. Every year we serve thousands of families who travel great distances seeking specialized medical treatment for their children. We depend upon the assistance of volunteers to make their experience as pleasant as possible. Most of our volunteer work isn’t glamorous, but it is needed to keep our House safe, warm and welcoming.
A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available to choose from for both individuals and groups. The needs that exist at your home exist at the Ronald McDonald House. We want you to have a memorable and rewarding experience at RMHC.
House Volunteers
Ronald McDonald House provides lodging for families whose children have been referred to the Tucson area for medical services. House volunteers help us keep our house organized and clean. Duties could include:
- organizing our kitchens
- making up rooms so they are ready for new families
- organizing our playroom
- storing and organizing supplies and donations
- assisting with special projects
- answering telephones
- greeting visitors and conducting tours
- interacting with families
While our families are here due to their child’s illness or injury, we try to have as much fun as we can! Potential volunteers are asked to attend a volunteer orientation session.
Family Room Volunteers
Volunteers should be at least 18 years of age, must attend a hospital orientation session and a Family Room training session, and must obtain health clearance through the hospital (at no cost to the potential volunteer). Benefits include free parking and cafeteria credits based on hours worked. Weekend and evening volunteers are always needed!
Family Room Volunteers duties include:
- acting as hosts for the room
- documenting room usage
- supervising use of the room and its services
- answering the telephone
- interacting with families
- assisting the manager in keeping track of supplies
Group Volunteer Projects
Learn more about our group volunteer projects such as the Chef for a Day program.
Summer Volunteers Needed
Unfortunately, illness and accidents don’t take a vacation during the summer. The Ronald McDonald House needs volunteers to staff the office, keep us organized and help host families. We are open 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. Come keep cool with us through the long, hot summer.
Junior Volunteer
Volunteers under the age of 18 may volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House or Family Room if a parent or guardian is present during the volunteer shift. If it is not possible for a parent or guardian to be present, there are still lots of ways to volunteer by doing projects at home. Some ideas include:
- Make “Welcome Boxes” we can offer families when they check in to stay with us. Boxes could be filled with personal use items such as brushes, combs and toothbrushes. Other items for adults could include current paperback books, pens and note cards, current magazines and small craft projects. Items such as crayons and coloring books, matchbox cars, and small dolls help keep kids occupied while waiting at the hospital.
- Hold a drive through at your church, school or club to collect canned food, paper goods or new toys. Ronald McDonald House can accommodate up to 28 families at a time, so we use a lot of food, toilet paper, paper towels and Kleenex! Check our Wish List for ideas.
- Collect pop tabs. We recycle them and use the proceeds to buy things we need for our programs.
- When you travel with your friends or family, collect toiletries from hotel and motel rooms for our families to use.
- Perhaps you have an idea of your own – call us and let us know what it is!
Getting Started
If you are interested in volunteering at the House or Family Room on a regular basis, please fill out a Volunteer Application and e-mail it to Christine LaBoy at claboy@rmhctucson.org or mail the application to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona.
