blog

Make quilts, afghans or knitted hats and mittens for families

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:54:00 -0400

Handmade quilts and afghans provide a sense of comfort for families far from home. Many families have children in the neonatal intensive care unit. When they finally take their child home from the hospital, a hand-made cap keeps baby warm and provides a cherished memento of their journey.

Last year, Warm Up America Foundation volunteers knitted and crocheted hundreds of afghans, caps and sweaters for teddy bears and donated them to almost two dozen Ronald McDonald Houses. This year, Warm Up America continues to work with the local Chapters to determine specific needs and activate its broad volunteer base.

If you'd like to use your quilting or knitting skills to help Ronald McDonald House Charities, contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatchto sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Help paint or provide light carpentry and maintenance services

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:53:00 -0400

Whether it is a 10-bedroom or 100-bedroom Ronald McDonald House, you can imagine how many maintenance projects come up.

Don Freed is a dedicated volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since 1995, Don has given more than 16,000 hours of volunteer service to the Ronald McDonald House - he averages 32 hours a week! Don is committed to doing his part to help provide comfort, hope and a ‘home away from home' to families during a very difficult time. He assists in maintenance tasks, makes coffee, cleans, gardens and much more. On cold winter mornings, Don is often outside the House before guests wake. He wants to make sure the walks and parking lots are cleared as families make their way to the hospital.

If you'd like to use your skills to help Ronald McDonald House Charities, contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Donate your time and talent in accounting, computers or marketing to help your local RMHC Chapter

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:52:00 -0400

Many volunteers are unaware that they can use their professional skills to help a RMHC Chapter. Since most of the money raised by our Chapters is used directly to support their programs, there often is little left over to pay consultants to help with accounting, computer, or marketing services.

At the Ronald McDonald House in London, Ontario a local photographer donated her photography services to help update the House's PR material. Many of the families who were guests of the House in the past participated in the shoot.

If you'd like to donate your time and talent, please contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Serve on a committee or board of your local RMHC Chapter

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:52:00 -0400

RMHC is able to respond directly to local needs through its deep relationships within communities. Countless volunteers worldwide lend their time, expertise and insight by serving on RMHC boards, committees and task forces.

Throughout Australia, medical professionals, business leaders and members of the community serve as ambassadors, acting as a liaison between RMHC Chapter and the community. And, in Southwest Florida, a diverse team of volunteers helped launch and guide the area's first Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program. Tom Schneider, a retired accountant, was the Advisory Council's first chairperson. He performed the initial needs assessment, wrote grants, created the budget, and connected the program with influential donors and opinion leaders. "We attribute the success of our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to the active involvement and guidance of volunteers like Tom," says Debra Newman, executive director, RMHC of Southwest Florida.

If you'd like to donate your time and expertise to RMHC, please contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Sponsor a room at the Ronald McDonald House with your coworkers or civic group. Paint, furnish and decorate

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:50:00 -0400

Each Ronald McDonald House has its own look and feel that reflects the local community. For many Ronald McDonald Houses, local community groups adopt rooms to add creative touches to the House or refresh living areas.

The Ronald McDonald House of Augusta, Georgia, celebrated its 25^th year with an "Adopt a Room" program. Seventeen families and community groups donated their time and materials to refresh 10 guest rooms, three bathrooms, and several living spaces in the House. The end result was a beautiful, grand House that felt more welcoming to the thousands of families who will call the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta ‘Home' for years to come.

If you'd like to sponsor a room, please contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Collect new toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to donate to the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:49:00 -0400

Children visiting a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile dental program go home with healthy teeth, a bright new smile and the education they need to take good care of their oral health. They also go home with their own toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. For many of these children, it is the first toothbrush they have ever owned.

"Holding a ‘Bright Smile' drive is a great way to help RMHC - and a fun way to introduce children to helping others," says Lionel Whitehead, president, RMHC of New Zealand. "Classroom teachers, parents, and civic groups often organize donation drives. Their volunteerism enables us to provide the children we treat with these oral health necessities and helps us maximize our funds for direct program services."

Over the past two years, the Volunteer Teen Board of Directors in Albany, New York, (RMHC of the Capitol Region) has reached out to their own dentists, family and friends to support the Chapter's Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program. The Teen Board collected thousands of oral health supplies and oral health education materials that are distributed to the children visiting the Care Mobile program. They also obtained monetary donations to support the program, books, games, DVDs to entertain children while on board the Care Mobile, and items for care packages to give each child.

If you'd like to organize a collection of oral health supplies for the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program; canned goods, toys and books for the Ronald McDonald House or Ronald McDonald Family Room, please contact your local Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Collect new hotel toiletries and donate them for families

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:48:00 -0400

When a child has been hurt in an accident or has an acute illness, parents rush to the hospital with only a moment's notice. They often arrive at the hospital without even a toothbrush or a change of clothing.

"We have hundreds of people who collect their unused hotel toiletries and donate them for our families," says Connie Grammens, House director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Montana. "This is a valuable way for individuals, business travelers and airline employees to help." The toiletries are distributed to guests at the House and are used to stock the Ronald McDonald Family Room within the hospital.

Don't know how many volunteer hours you could commit each week? No problem. There are many ways to help RMHC. Contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Make welcome goodie bags and care packages for families

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:47:00 -0400

Families facing the weight of a child's illness are often so busy taking care of their child; they forget to take care of themselves. Receiving a care package box when they arrive helps families feel welcome and reminds them there are people who care.

Last year, McDonald's managers and crew members participated in a leadership workshop at their annual convention. During the workshop they created more than 5,000 welcome boxes to donate to the Ronald McDonald Houses in the U.S. and Canada.

If you'd like to use your skills to help Ronald McDonald House Charities, get in touch with your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Create a “penny war” at your school to collect loose change for your local RMHC Chapter

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:46:00 -0400

Holding a "Penny War" at your school is a great way to teach kids about philanthropy.

Last year, the Baskerville Elementary School held a "Penny War" to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville, North Carolina. Classes competed against each other to see which could gather the most pounds of pennies. The prize was a pizza party for the winning class.

Christy Lewins' kindergarten class won the contest with 96 pounds of pennies collected. Irene Brown's first graders claimed second place with 88 pounds. All totaled, Baskerville students collected 463 pounds of pennies, which equaled $903.94.

If you would like to organize a "penny war" to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities, get in touch with your local RMHC Chapter or searchVolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Hand write thank-you notes to donors

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:46:00 -0400

Every day, people come to Ronald McDonald House Charities with donations of homemade treats, new toys and books, and items from our wish list. They send donations of money raised through garage sales, and bake sales. Children bring in pop tabs for recycling and proudly present us with a cup of sticky coins earned through a lemonade stand.

Ronald McDonald House Charities is all about people caring for people. That's why a personal, handwritten thank-you note means so much. Ruth Wilcox, a retired accountant, has been a front desk volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany, New York, for 17 years. She writes personal thank-you notes to tell donors how much their contribution is appreciated. Often the note includes a drawing from the "resident artist," Kyle. Kyle's family stayed at the House while he was very ill, and now the 17-year-old enjoys donating his artwork as another way of saying "thanks."

Contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Lead a yoga, exercise or relaxation class for parents or kids

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:45:00 -0400

Stress, exhaustion and anxiety lead to deteriorating physical and mental health at a time when parents most need their strength. Hours spent on uncomfortable chairs at a child's hospital bedside only add to aching muscles, back strain and headaches.

Volunteers at Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms offer classes for parents and children in yoga, exercise, relaxation and personal wellness.

At the Ronald McDonald House in New York City, volunteers provide a wide range of self-care programs for parents. Among the many volunteers is Diana Mullman, who teaches a mind/body class to ease physical and mental tension. "These programs not only offer immediate relaxation, but help parents learn techniques to relieve stress in the difficult weeks and months ahead as they care for their critically ill child," says Helen Stafford, volunteer manager.

Help decorate for the holidays

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:44:00 -0400

Families travel from across the country, even around the world, to access medical care for their children. The stress of coping with a critical illness and being far from home is especially difficult during the holidays. Volunteers at Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide help make the holidays a little brighter. They prepare holiday-themed meals, complete with decorations, music, crafts projects and entertainment.

After being helped by the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia 22 years ago, the Faucher family of New Castle, Delaware, was looking for a way to say thank you. Rich Faucher, his wife Linda and their children are renowned for their dazzling holiday light displays. Each year, they work their magic at the Ronald McDonald House in Wilmington, Delaware. Bringing the House and grounds to full illumination takes about three weeks. Rich feels blessed to have the opportunity to get to know these special children at the House and bring joy to their lives.

If you'd like to bring holiday cheer to sick children and their families, please contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to find RMHC volunteer opportunities in your area.

Stuff backpacks with school supplies for children who visit the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:43:00 -0400

Children who receive medical and dental care through the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program typically live in acute poverty. The health care they receive through the program helps keep them healthy and in school. But many of these children don't have even the most basic school necessities, such as a pencil and paper.

"Most of the parents whose children we treat are struggling to feed their family and keep a roof over their heads," says Jane Kaylor, executive director, RMHC of Greater Chattanooga. "Health care is a luxury few can afford. Back-to-school supplies are an impossible dream."

RMHC volunteers help raise donations of backpacks and school supplies so children can attend school healthy and self-confident.

There are many ways to help a child in need. To learn more, please contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch.

Help children illustrate their own storybooks

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:43:00 -0400

Seriously ill children - and also their healthy siblings - experience a tumult of emotions during hospitalization and treatment. Through writing and art projects, volunteers help children express their fears, sadness, loneliness and hope for the future.

Ann Godfrey, a retired teacher in Minneapolis, Minnesota, volunteers in the schoolroom at the Ronald McDonald House in the Twin Cities. She especially enjoys working one-on-one with her students and watching the children bond and support each other during a difficult time.

If you would enjoy working with children, please contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch for RMHC volunteer opportunities in your area.

Record height and weight for children visiting the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:42:00 -0400

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program provides medical, dental and health educational services to more than 100,000 vulnerable children a year. In addition to the clinical staff, the program relies on volunteers at each service delivery site.

Tiffany Hilton is a dental assistant in Springfield, Missouri, and will be entering dental school this fall. She enjoys walking children from their classroom to the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, chatting and easing their apprehension. Tiffany also records patients' height and weight and instructs children in proper oral hygiene.

If you have time to give to a child in need, please contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to learn about volunteer opportunities in your area.

Host a free car wash for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:41:00 -0400

RMHC volunteers help with many every-day chores so families can concentrate on what matters most: spending time with their child.

At the Ronald McDonald House in St. Petersburg, Florida, a group of teens organized a car wash for families staying at the House. The teens earned community service hours and had sensational fun. The families gained a sparkling car and one less thing to worry about.

If you or your group would like to help, contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Host a scrap-booking project for moms

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:41:00 -0400

Scrap-booking is an enjoyable way for guests staying at a Ronald McDonald House to take their mind off their troubles or to document their journey.

More than 1,500 Stampin' Up! demonstrators volunteer their time, supplies, or talents to help teach local Ronald McDonald House guests the creative art of rubber stamping through their Making a Difference program. Click here for an example of the projects shared at these stamping events.

Demonstrators also donate greeting cards at regional training events, which are sent to Ronald McDonald Houses all over the United States and Canada. Guests staying at the Houses use the cards to keep in touch with loved ones while they are away from home.

If you'd like to use your skills to help Ronald McDonald House Charities, contact your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Organize the Ronald McDonald House’s storage areas, or restock supplies

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:40:00 -0400

Many supplies are needed to operate a Ronald McDonald House or Ronald McDonald Family Room. From paper towels to coffee, organized storage areas and well-stocked supplies help save time for the staff.

Local college student Lisa Nguyen was among the first volunteers when the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Hamilton, Ontario, opened last summer. She fills a four-hour shift twice each month, greeting families, offering warm soup and snacks, and supplying fresh coffee. In addition, every Friday afternoon Lisa restocks the Ronald McDonald Family Room supplies.

If you'd like to organize or restock supplies, get in touch with your local RMHC Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Help your local RMHC Chapter with a golf tournament, auction, gala or fundraising event

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:39:00 -0400

Fundraisers are an important way to help raise money and awareness so Ronald McDonald House Charities can help more children.

Marika Breuer has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House Aachen in Germany for four years. She grocery shops for breakfast each day and also helps out at information booths at special events.

If you'd like to organize or help staff a fundraising event, contact your local Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area

Help the RMHC Chapter write a newsletter

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:38:00 -0400

Because so many volunteers lend their professional expertise, local RMHC Chapters can put more money into programs that directly impact families. Many writers, designers and photographers volunteer to help RMHC Chapters produce newsletters, brochures and other materials. Local printers often donate printing.

Dennis Appleton, a volunteer in Madison, Wisconsin, has edited and proofread the RMHC Chapter's quarterly newsletter for more than 15 years. In Hawaii, volunteers Richard and Nancy Akamichi help prepare the Chapter newsletters for bulk mail.

If you'd like to use your creative talent to help Ronald McDonald House Charities, contact your local Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.