Volunteer

GET INVOLVED

Thanks to a large team of devoted volunteers, the Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo offers a supportive, caring and clean home-away-from-home for families with children who are receiving medical care at Buffalo hospitals.

We are proud of the commitment our volunteers make and the wonderful service they offer to Ronald McDonald House families. Our faithful volunteers enjoy helping others in need and receive satisfaction from the work they perform. We strive to find volunteer opportunities that suit our volunteers’ interests and meet the current needs of the Ronald McDonald House.

We always need volunteers to make this house a Home for families. Complete the Volunteer Application and get involved today!

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Buffalo Ronald McDonald House is staffed by volunteers seven days a week, every day of the year, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. “Shift” volunteers work in the front office answering the telephone, taking guest reservations, checking guests in and out of the House. Shifts are divided up into the following segments: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Shift volunteers require training and we ask that each volunteer commit to one shift of three to four hours each week (or a minimum of two shifts per month).

Just a few hours of your time can make a world of difference for families. Volunteers provide invaluable help to our small staff, helping to keep our 14,000 square foot Buffalo mansion clean and neat. A home for 15 families demands continuous clean up – kitchen cupboards must be cleaned, playroom toys must be disinfected, storage areas tidied up, bookshelves dusted, and more. Household chores can be fun when done in cooperation with a friend in an environment that appreciates your visit!

There are almost always office type duties that we need help with.

Our beautiful gardens and grounds around this stately mansion require constant care and the Garden Committee of volunteers produces wondrous results. “Accomplished gardeners” or those who simply like “outside labor” (raking, turning the gardens, mulching) are invited to participate!

Do you like working on special events? Fund raising events require a large team of volunteers – team with other community volunteers to help acquire raffle prizes, auction items, sell event/raffle tickets, or volunteer the day of the event!

GROUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Your family, work team, school group or professional organization can support the House and have fun at the same time. Companies can “adopt” the House for a day – adding their energy to help maintain this large home and spacious grounds.

The comforts of home are very appreciated by our guest families. It takes many additional hours each month to provide families with sparkling clean bedrooms, a tidy kitchen, well-kept grounds, and lovely gardens. Sign up your group today and enjoy the good feeling that comes with teaming with others to improve the lives of families in need. Contact Ellen Haley (ehaley@rmhbuffalo.org), House Manager, if your group would like to schedule a half day or full work day at the House – the efforts of your group will make a real difference in the lives of our families!

Families that stay with us are under a great deal of stress. Probably one of the most appreciated things that volunteer groups do for families is to prepare nutritious, home cooked meals. After a long day at the hospital, families receive great comfort in returning to the Ronald McDonald House and finding a home cooked dinner or delicious baked goods. Our Cooks for Kids program allows small groups to plan a menu, shop and prepare a meal at the Ronald McDonald House. Contact Ellen Haley (ehaley@rmhbuffalo.org), House Manager, to schedule a time to come in and cook for our families.

The Ronald McDonald House needs your help with fundraising! Many groups hold “third party fund raisers” to help the families at the Ronald McDonald House. Companies and community groups organize dress down days, raffles, split club benefits, or collect aluminum pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Contact Sally Vincent (svincent@rmhbuffalo.org), Executive Director, to learn how your group can organize a fund raising event for the House.