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House volunteer
Help us help even more families in need
Our Ronald McDonald House has 12 guest rooms, including 2 private suites. We can accommodate up to 35 people each day. A household of 35 needs lots of tender loving care every day to keep it tidy, safe, and cheerful.
To become a House Volunteer you must be a High School Freshman and 14 years of age or older. For ideas for younger individuals and groups, please visit Youth Projects.
Opportunities for Individual Volunteers and Volunteer Groups. Whether you are an individual volunteer or part of a volunteer group there are many ways to become involved. You can help meet the needs of the families using the Ronald McDonald House and assist with the day-to-day operations of the House.
We especially need volunteers during the week.
You decide how much time you can devote. Some people volunteer once a year and others volunteer several hours every week.
For Groups and Companies doing a volunteer day, and those interested in House Volunteer opportunities: contact Yulanda McVay at (716) 883-1177 or ymcvay@rmhcwny.org
As a house volunteer, you might:
Drive the van. You can transport family members to and from the hospital.
Answer phones. We will give you the training you need to be able to handle the phones, take reservations and check people in. We do ask that volunteers who handle the phones commit to two four-hour shifts per month.
Tidy the playroom and clean the toys. We have many children who use the playroom, including some children who are especially vulnerable to illnesses because of their weakened health. To try to keep guests healthy, we need to wipe off the toys often to help prevent the spread of colds and other illnesses.
Ready the kitchen for the next meal or snack. Imagine what it would be like if 35 people lived in your house! The help we need in the kitchen includes loading and emptying the dishwasher, brushing crumbs from the toaster, cleaning the microwave, wiping spills in the refrigerator, and sorting and organizing drawers.
Keep the House clean and pleasant. Our House is a refuge for families whose children are being treated at local hospitals, so we want it to be tidy and welcoming. Tasks include dusting, vacuuming, making beds, and folding clean laundry.
“Deep cleaning.” It is always “Spring Cleaning” time at the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House! These tasks include cleaning handprints off doors, wiping down woodwork, cleaning doorknobs and door pulls, washing windows and dusting blinds.
Seasonal Outdoor. Grab your gloves and rakes and join forces to keep our house grounds beautiful. From raking leaves to trimming bushes, preparing flower beds and garden soil for planting, and other minor outdoor spring-cleaning chores.