Make a Difference

"The Heart of a volunteer is not measured in size but by the depth of their commitment to make a difference in the lives of others"

Please register as a volunteer so we can contact you about opportunities.  We ask that all those who are interested, even if you have volunteered with us before, submit a new application.

Your gifts and talents can make a big difference – whether volunteering as an individual or with a group, coming on a regular basis, or as you can. Volunteers who dedicate their time, talent and resources help offset costs and allow us to direct more back to supporting children and their families.

House Volunteer

House Volunteer

As a House Volunteer, you may serve families in a variety of ways such as offering a warm, friendly smile; giving a House tour; answering the door or phone; helping to store donation or directly supporting the Manager on duty. Day, weekend and evening shifts are available.

All House Volunteers Must:
– Complete an application
– Submit to a background check
– Be at least 18 years old to volunteer independently. 12–17-year-olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Sign Up
Family Room Volunteer

Family Room Volunteer

As a Family Room Volunteer, you will provide a warm welcome and supportive atmosphere to families coming to use our Ronald McDonald Family Room. Our Family Room is inside Carilion Clinic and provides a break from the hospital setting for the families of pediatric patients. You would register guests, perform simple record-keeping, light housekeeping, and offer tours of the Family Room to visitors.

 

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Meals from the Heart

Meals from the Heart

Cooking a home-cooked meal is one of the most important ways we can provide our guest families with the comfort of home, especially after a long day at the hospital. Thanks to our Meals from the Heart Program, meals are prepared nightly by individuals and community groups.

See our Meals from the Heart Handbook regarding food preparation guidelines.

All Meals from the Heart Volunteers Must:
– Complete an application
– Submit to a background check
– Be at least 16 years old to volunteer in the kitchen; volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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House Companion

House Companion

House Companions are trained as staff and directly support the Manager on Duty. House Companions provide an atmosphere of friendship and hospitality for families and patients with serious illness or injury. They should possess qualities of friendliness, positive attitude, dependability, and work as a team member.

Requires higher level training and commitment. Serious applicants only, please.

Optional for applicants: Periodically a House Companion may be asked to cover a shift in which case this becomes a paid position.

All House Companion Volunteers Must:
– Complete an application
– Submit to a background check
– Must be 18 years old to be a House Companion volunteer.

Sign Up
Maintenance & Grounds Volunteers

Maintenance & Grounds Volunteers

Help keep our house functioning and looking beautiful for the families we serve. Volunteers with varying maintenance skills are needed on a regular basis. Prefer working outside? We need volunteers to rake leaves, tend to our flower beds, and keep our grounds looking beautiful.

All Maintenance & Grounds Volunteers Must:
– Complete an application
– Submit to a background check
– Be at least 18 years old to volunteer independently. 12-17 year-olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Sign Up
Event Volunteers

Event Volunteers

As a Special Event Volunteer, you play a critical role in our special events which raise funds for our organization. Our special events throughout the year include Rock-a-Tee, Golf Tournaments, Run for Donuts 5k, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Special Occasions.

Email Teri Nance, RMHC-SWVA Special Events Coordinator, for further information – tnance@rmhouse.net

See Events
Become an Ambassador

Become an Ambassador

Have you or someone you know been touched by Ronald McDonald House Charities or are you someone that simply cares about keeping families close? Then we need you! Ambassadors keep us connected in their communities by promoting us at local events, distributing Ronald McDonald House Charities materials, conducting fundraisers, and other creative ways to inspire the community.

Sign Up
Group Volunteering

Group Volunteering

  • Upon arrival to the house, each individual, age 16 and up, will have a criminal record background check completed. No one who is a registered sex offender or who has been convicted of a crime against children will be allowed on the property.
  • The RMHC Group Volunteer Application will need to be completed by at least one member of the group who will act as representative and primary contact for entire group. As representative, the primary contact who completes this online application will be required to indicate agreement to RMH policies, rules, code of conduct, releases and guidelines.
  • RMHC cannot accommodate groups with more than 20 people. Groups with more than 20 individuals should contact our House Program Director – Stefanie Hall (shall@rmhouse.net) to discuss other opportunities.
  • Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age; volunteers 15 years of age or younger must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian at all times.
  • Group volunteers are offered 2–3 hour shifts between 9am-8pm; 7 days a week.

Completing this application does not guarantee you a group volunteer opportunity at RMHC. Please allow for up to ten business days for your application to be processed. Once the application has been processed and approved, an RMHC staff member will contact you to schedule a group activity.

Sign Up
Hold a Fundraiser

Hold a Fundraiser

RMHC has a strong brand recognition and important mission but we have a small staff and limited resources. When you host a fundraiser benefiting the Ronald McDonald House everybody wins, especially the families of sick children. There are so many fun ideas out there we can’t wait to hear yours.

Checkout our new FUNdraising online platform and challenge other groups to get involved. When you promote little friendly competition benefiting the families of sick children everybody wins!

Get Started
Opportunities in the House

Opportunities in the House

It takes a lot to keep this House beautiful for our families. We have several task indoors including: Deep cleaning available guest rooms, cleaning and organizing the pantry and cabinets, polishing woodwork, cooking up casseroles to freeze or cooking a meal for our guests.

Outdoor Opportunities

Outdoor Opportunities

It’s a day out of the office and the last thing you want is to be indoors. No problem! Our grounds require a lot of work. From weeding, raking, spray washing, sweeping, trimming, or cleaning, each season brings its own challenging debris.

Special Events

Special Events

We often have opportunities to receive contributions in exchange for groups of volunteers for various venues in our community such as the Roanoke Greek Festival, Up on the Roof in Downtown Blacksburg, First Fridays, Stocked Market, or Party in the Park.

Contact our Special Events Coordinator, Teri Nance at tnance@rmhouse.net to find a schedule of events.

View Events
RMHC Special Teams

RMHC Special Teams

Big projects require special teams. Whether it’s putting away our Christmas decorations, moving furniture, changing out mattresses, or painting, we need your help.

Let us know if you want to be considered for our RMHC Special Teams call list.

Contact Us