For the health and safety of our guest families and staff members , our volunteer program is temporarily suspended.
We will not be accepting student volunteers until further notice.
Volunteers are the Heart of the “House That Love Built”
Volunteers assist us in many areas on an ongoing basis and make a difference in the lives of our guest families. On average, volunteers save us approximately $73,300 per year.
“Every person at the CNY Ronald McDonald House, from the staff to the volunteers, was amazing. They helped make being scared and in a strange place that much easier by offering a safe and comfortable environment. I never felt like a guest. I felt like family.”
– Amanda Krantz, high-risk mom and former guest
Available Volunteer Opportunities:
Guest Services Volunteers
Guest services volunteers are the first to welcome guest families and visitors to the House and help provide them with a positive first impression. Responsibilities include working at the front desk to greet people with a friendly smile, answering and directing phone calls, handling deliveries, accepting donations, taking guest overnight referrals, and conducting guest family check-ins and check-outs. This position may expand to include giving House tours and assisting incoming meal groups.
Housekeeping Heroes
Help the House shine. Every day there is a long list of tasks that need to be accomplished around the House in order to keep it a welcoming environment for our guests. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming and cleaning common areas, and organizing and restocking janitors’ closets.
Kitchen Squad
The kitchen is the heart of every home and it is the hub of activity at our House. These volunteers help keep our kitchen tidy, stocked, organized and ready for our Meals That Heal program participants.
Maintenance Marvel Team
With such a large House, there are many fix-it projects. Skilled volunteers who like to use their hands will work closely with our House Manager to oversee the home improvement list. Assignments include everything from changing light bulbs to fixing broken household items.
Grounds Guardians
We always aim to keep our grounds beautiful, but the seasons in Central New York keep us on our toes. Tasks include keeping the sidewalks and walkways clean and safe by salting and shoveling in the winter, and spraying down in the summer. Volunteers also help with keeping debris and litter out of our yard and parking lots, and weeding flower beds.
Kid Crusaders
The reason why we are here. These volunteers help keep the House clean and stocked with toys for the children and siblings that stay with us. Tasks include sanitizing the toy room, stocking the toy chests and making welcome bags for guest families.
Special Event Volunteers
Every year we host two annual fundraising events – the RMHC of CNY Golf Invitational and the Many Hearts One Home Celebration – and we’re always looking for some extra helping hands. For those who have a desire to help, but on a limited basis, this is the volunteer role for you. Those interested will be introduced to our development team for more details.
For more information, please call (315) 476-1027 or email volunteer@rmhcny.org. To print your own copy of our “Volunteer Take One” to share with friends, click here.
*Volunteer job descriptions are a general overview and may be subject to change. You must be at least 18 years of age to volunteer. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you while at RMHC of CNY. Community and school groups of all ages are welcome to volunteer in small groups. Groups under age 18 must have adult chaperone at all times while in the House.