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Ronald McDonald House of Richmond volunteer offering a hot cocoa bar to our guests
Ronald McDonald House of Richmond volunteer offering a hot cocoa bar to our guests

Individual Volunteer Opportunities

Make a difference in the families who walk through our doors.

We have several ways for you to donate your gift of time, and we invite you to find an opportunity that fits you best. Our individual volunteers are what keep our programs in the house and hospital running smoothly.

  • For our individual opportunities, volunteers must be at least 18 years old and willing to commit for at least six months to a year.
  • Our individual volunteer opportunities require a background check and training before volunteers are able to begin.

If interested in volunteering as a group of up to 6 people outside of making meals, please fill out our Group Volunteer form.

two Ronald McDonald House richmond volunteers in red aprons

House Warmers

House Warmer volunteers assist with day-to-day operations of the Ronald McDonald Houses to keep the Houses running smoothly and provide a comfortable, clean environment for families with children receiving care in Richmond.

Details:

  • Duties may include resetting bedrooms, coordinating laundry, housework, re-stocking and organization, and occasionally answering the phones or door.
  • Volunteers are expected to commit to the same 3-hour shift once a week. Shifts are available every day in 3-hour slots between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Ronald McDonald House richmond front desk reception area

Front Desk Assistant

Front Desk Assistants help our team immensely by answering phone calls and welcoming guests and donors to our Ronald McDonald House on Monument Avenue. These volunteers commit to a weekly 2-hour shift on weekday mornings between 8am-4pm.

Ronald McDonald Hospitality Cart

Hospitality Cart Volunteers push our Cart through hospital hallways to provide small comforts (toys, games, snacks, and activities) to families in pediatric units.

Details:

  • At St. Mary’s, volunteers are expected to commit to at least 2 shifts per month. Shifts are typically 1.5 hours and available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm and Fridays at 10:30 am.
  • At VCU and Johnston Willis, volunteers are expected to commit to the same 1-2 hour shift weekly. Shifts at VCU are daily at 6 pm.
volunteer and small child playing together inside sibling center

Ronald McDonald House Sibling Center

The Sibling Center in the Children’s Pavilion at VCU allows parents to check in the well-sibling so they can focus on the care of the child receiving treatment.

Details:

  • Volunteers engage the children in the Sibling Center in age-appropriate activities such as playing games, reading books, doing activities, etc. Volunteers also run the Hospitality Cart handing out items to families in the Children’s Pavilion.
  • Volunteers are expected to commit to the same 3-hour shift once per week. Shifts are available weekdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., and 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Special Event Opportunities

Volunteer at Shamrock Showdown, Sporting Clays Classic, Red Shoe Rendezvous Gala, Red Shoe Golf Tournament, or other special event opportunities! Check out our events and reach out to volunteerservices@ronaldmcdonaldhouserva.org to let us know which ones you’re interested in helping with!

Apply to Volunteer

Once you Submit an Individual Volunteer Application, we will be in touch to discuss next steps.

Please note, onboarding at our Ronald McDonald Houses and in-hospital opportunities may take up to 4-6 weeks.

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