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Volunteer Opportunities
The Heart of the House!
Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House:
The House could not run without our extensive support group of volunteers. They are the “heart” of “House that Love Built.” All Ronald McDonald House volunteers work to support our mission by assisting the employees and families at the House. The kind of work our volunteers do is part community living and part office work. Individual volunteers and group volunteers create welcome packets, make dinner, garden, and/or assist the office with the satisfaction of knowing their time and energy ultimately helps families with seriously ill children. We appreciate your interest in volunteering.
Opportunities
Houseparent - A Houseparent is an adult (18 years or older and out of high school) who volunteers the evening 5-9pm shift, the weekend shift, or on holidays to help provide 24-hour coverage and acts as a relief manager during non-business hours. Because there is a moderate amount of training, those interested in houseparenting must commit to a minimum of 3 evenings a month for 6 months. Some responsibilities of a Houseparent are:
Office Volunteer - These individuals will help with mailings, record keeping, data entry, answering phones, etc. on an as needed basis.
Speaker's Bureau - These individuals will speak to various clubs, organizations, schools, etc. about the Ronald McDonald House.
Fundraising - These individuals will help with fundraising events. We are a not for profit, so there are various events happening in the community throughout the year.
Community Awareness - We need people to work the information table at fundraisers, community events, etc.
A Daytime Volunteer - A Daytime Volunteer is a person (high school age or older) who helps out on a regular basis assisting the office staff and families between the hours of 9am and 9pm.
A Community Outreach Volunteer (Speaker's Bureau)- A Community Outreach Volunteer is a creative and well-spoken person who represents the House occasionally when board members and staff can't make an appearance. They may help with the creation of these presentations as well.
Fundraising Volunteer - A Fundraising Volunteer is a person who assists in the planning as well as the staffing of the various fundraising events throughout the year.
Special Project Volunteer - Special Project Volunteer is a person (high school age or older) or a group with a chaperone who help with the completion of a specific project for the House yearly or once in awhile. Here are just some of the special projects volunteers help with:
Opportunities for Groups (all of these opportunities can be performed by individuals as well):
Cooks- All of our guests have to prepare their own meals, so it is appreciated when a group/individual will provide a meal for our guests and their families. These meals can be prepared in the House, in our well-equipped kitchen or prepared beforehand and brought to the house for reheating and serving. This may be a one-time volunteer opportunity or scheduled on an on-going basis.
Bakers- Everyone loves sweets! Our houseguests appreciate when people come in to bake cookies, brownies, cupcakes, etc. The House smells wonderful and everyone enjoys homemade sweets now and then. Please call to schedule a time to bake.
Seasonal Cleanup- These volunteers will assist the House with its annual spring and/or fall cleaning. Seasonal cleanups are both inside and outside the House tasks.
Gardeners- These volunteers will help with keeping the House yard warm and inviting to guests. Gardeners will water plants, pull weeds, plant flowers/plants, rake leaves, pickup sticks, spread mulch, trim hedges, clean outside play area or sweep the porch. Again this will be on an as needed basis, depending on weather and season.
Planting Day- The House does have an annual time of year that we plant spring blooms (normally the second week of May). It is not just a planting day, but more like a preparation week and then planting days afterwards.
Parade- These volunteers will represent the House and march with others in the annual October Columbus Day parade in Long Branch. Volunteers are also needed to assist in building a float for the parade beforehand.
Maintenance work- These volunteers will assist with House repairs and maintenance as needed. You might be asked to paint something, clean something, or help with the yard work.
Pop Tab Collecting
This is probably one of the easiest things for a volunteer to do, and yet this simple act translates into significant dollars with the recycling of aluminum within the pop tabs. For more information please go to the “donate” information section on this website.
Wish list items collection/donations
There are certain items that the House needs every month (i.e. Laundry supplies, paper products, non-perishable foods, trial size toiletries, etc.) and donations of these items are always welcome. Please note these items must be new and unused and may also go out to our RMH family rooms at the local area hospitals. Click here to see our "Wish List."
How to Become A Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering (either as an individual or a group), please contact the House Manager at either house:
Long Branch: Camitha Whipple – Camitha@rmh-cnj.org or 732-222-8755
New Brunswick: Kathy Dennis – Kathy@rmh-cnj.org or 732-249-1222
Individual and regular group volunteers must submit an application , complete an interview, and learn the House rules before starting. Houseparents must also undergo a background check.