Group Volunteer Program

Hands-on group experiences supporting families at Ronald McDonald House® Washington, DC

Getting Started

We’re so glad you’re here and considering bringing your group together in support of families who need it most. Group volunteering is a meaningful way to connect, give back, and make a lasting impact – whether you’re a corporate team, school, faith community, or social organization.

Below, you’ll find a variety of group volunteer opportunities designed to fit different interests, skills, and group sizes. Each experience plays an important role in helping us provide comfort, care, and support for families during some of their most challenging moments.

We invite you to take a look around, explore what resonates with your group, and imagine the difference you can make together.

Please view opportunities below.

Meals that Matter

Formerly known as our Feed the House Program, Meals that Matter invites community groups to come together to prepare and serve lunch or dinner for families staying with us, typically on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

With a one-time meal donation, we provide everything you need – ingredients, menus, instructions, utensils, packaging, and a fully equipped kitchen – so you can focus on connecting with one another and making a meaningful impact.

Whether you’re a corporate team, community group, Forever Family, club, or group of friends, your time in the kitchen helps families feel supported and cared for. You’re offering more than a meal – you’re creating warmth, relief, and connection during a difficult time.

Maximum Group Size: 12 |  Group Volunteer Application  |  Pricing

A contribution of $2,500 for corporate groups or $500 for community groups helps provide everything needed for this experience.

For more information on Meals that Matter, please visit this page.

Baking Buddies

Gather your friends, family, or colleagues to share comfort and care by baking sweet treats for our families. Options may include cookies, cakes, brownies, pies, crumbles, or other delicious creations.

Maximum Group Size: 6 |   Group Volunteer Application

A contribution of $100 helps cover all ingredients and materials for this baking experience.

Note: For corporate groups, this offering is available as an add-on.

Outdoor Oasis

Step outside and help create a welcoming, peaceful environment for families with the Outdoor Oasis experience. This hands-on volunteer opportunity focuses on caring for the House’s outdoor areas so they feel warm, restorative, and well-maintained for families throughout their stay.

Volunteers work together on a variety of seasonal projects based on the current needs of the House. Tasks may include clearing debris, planting flowers and greenery, spreading mulch, mowing the lawn, weeding, trimming, and tidying garden beds and walkways. Each visit is a meaningful way to refresh shared outdoor areas and help create a calming space where families can step outside, breathe, and recharge.

Maximum Group Size: 15-20 |   Group Volunteer Application

We greatly appreciate your support in helping us prepare for this experience by purchasing any necessary gardening materials such as flowers, mulch, or paint. While we are able to provide some tools, we strongly encourage groups to bring any additional equipment they may have that would be helpful for several hours of outdoor, hands-on work. This may include items suited for yard work and seasonal upkeep.

Light Housekeeping

Support a warm, welcoming environment for families through our Light Housekeeping volunteer experience. This hands-on opportunity helps ensure our shared spaces remain clean, comfortable, and inviting for families during their stay.

Volunteers assist with a variety of light cleaning and tidying tasks throughout common areas of the House. Activities may include wiping down surfaces, organizing and straightening shared spaces, refreshing the playroom, and helping with deeper cleaning projects as needed. These efforts play an important role in maintaining a peaceful, home-like environment where families can rest and recharge.

Maximum Group Size: 15 |   Group Volunteer Application

Special Events

Bring joy, connection, and a little extra magic to families staying with us by hosting a Special Event, holiday gathering, or celebration. This opportunity is designed for groups who want to create memorable, engaging moments through seasonal or themed activities – especially during the holidays.

Groups may help host a variety of experiences such as providing a pizza party, leading a holiday-themed gift-giving celebration, coming in costume, facilitating a craft or activity station, teaching a class, or offering a fun and interactive experience for children and parents alike. These shared moments help bring joy, comfort, and a sense of normalcy during what can be a challenging time.

While we cannot guarantee every group will be able to lead a specific requested activity, we welcome conversation and collaboration to align on something meaningful and appropriate. We look forward to connecting with you and learning more about your ideas soon.

Maximum Group Size: 6-8 |   Group Volunteer Application

Remote and Offsite Engagement

Support families staying at Ronald McDonald House even when you can’t be on-site through meaningful remote and offsite volunteer opportunities. These flexible options allow individuals, groups, and corporate partners to make a direct impact from home, the office, or out in the community.

Maximum Group Size: Unlimited |   Donation Inquiry Form

 We’re excited to lean more about your group!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested in this on behalf of a company. What is the maximum group size?

Each opportunity has different capacity limits, but larger groups can be divided into smaller teams to complete activities simultaneously within the same House. Groups may also be split between our DC and Northern Virginia locations.

Each House can accommodate up to 20 volunteers at one time.

Can students or children under the age of 16, the minimum volunteer age, participate as part of a group?

We can accommodate volunteers ages 16 and older. Any volunteers ages 16–18 must have a Minor Participant Volunteer Waiver completed and signed prior to their shift. We also require at least one adult chaperone for every three minor volunteers (for example, a high school group).

While we would love to welcome everyone into the House, this policy helps ensure the safety of all guests and volunteers. If your group includes any children under the age of 16, we’re happy to explore off-site volunteer opportunities with you. Please email Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager, Hannah Morgan, at [email protected].