Individual Volunteer Program

Make a difference for families staying at the House.

Getting Started

Welcome to our Individual Volunteer Program! We’re so glad you’re here. This program is designed for volunteers who want to make a consistent, meaningful impact by serving on a weekly or monthly basis.

Our core volunteer roles allow you to feel confident and comfortable each time you visit, so you can focus on what matters most – supporting families and creating a welcoming environment at Ronald McDonald House® Washington, DC.

If this sounds like a good fit, we invite you to submit your application today! If you’d like more information first, you can learn more below or email our Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager.

Eligibility Requirements

  • All volunteers must be at least 16 years old at the time of their first shift and submit a completed Individual Volunteer Application.
  • Volunteers ages 16–17 must serve alongside a parent or legal guardian as a co-volunteer and are also required to submit a minor participant waiver form.
  • A completed and cleared background check (including a $21 fee), signed volunteer waiver, confidentiality agreement, and general media waiver are all required to proceed with onboarding.
  • We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of 6-12 months of service, with 3-hour shifts scheduled on a weekly or monthly basis.
  • Roles involving food handling require submission of a ServSafe certification or equivalent proof of professional food safety training.
  • Volunteers agree to receive departmental updates and communications to stay informed on policies, scheduling, and House needs.

CORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

WELCOME & ADMIN SUPPORT
VOLUNTEER

  • Receive and process donations (pop tabs, packages, and other non-medical items)
  • Welcome families, visitors, and donors while managing entry and sign-in procedures
  • Support front desk operations including phone coverage, messaging, and access control
  • Assist with administrative and guest support tasks such as digitizing forms, restocking supplies, and providing requested items (e.g. cleaning supplies)

GUEST SERVICES
VOLUNTEER

  • Inventory and organize shared spaces
  • Clean and disinfect common areas as needed
  • Provide a warm, supportive presence for families in community spaces
  • Restock supplies in kitchens, snack areas, office closets, laundry rooms, and storage areas
  • Report maintenance issues or supply shortages to staff as needed

FACILITIES
VOLUNTEER

  • Gardening and outdoor maintenance
  • General outdoor maintenance tasks
  • Light construction support
  • Painting and minor repairs
  • Playground and courtyard upkeep
  • Seasonal tasks (leaf raking, light snow removal, litter pick-up)

KITCHEN KEEPER
VOLUNTEER

  • Provide meals for families while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment.
  • Clean, organize, and maintain shared kitchen spaces
  • Lead supplemental cooking using available kitchen ingredients
  • Support families in kitchen as needed

MEALS THAT MATTER LIAISON
VOLUNTEER

  • Welcome and guide meal volunteer groups in the kitchen
  • Ensure compliance with kitchen safety rules
  • Follow food storage, workflow, and cleanup processes
  • Set up kitchen tools, utensils, meal carts, recipes, and instructions
  • Take and share group photos with staff

SPECIAL EVENTS
VOLUNTEER

  • Decorate and support the House for seasonal holidays and special celebrations
  • Prepare, assemble, and wrap gifts or care packages for families
  • Organize, sort, and distribute holiday donations and supplies
  • Set up and break down event spaces as needed
  • Assist with activity stations, crafts, or family engagement

We can’t wait to connect with you soon!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I switch between core volunteer roles or participate in more than one?

Yes! Our Core Volunteer Opportunities are not intended to limit your talents or interests. You’re welcome to sign up for different roles from shift to shift if you choose. We simply ask that you’re prepared and able to carry out the responsibilities of any role you select.

How flexible is volunteer scheduling?

Very flexible. Through our volunteer sign-up platform, Volunteer Local, you can choose from available 3-hour shifts any day of the week, Monday through Friday. You’re also able to cancel upcoming shifts as needed, provided it’s done at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours must be made directly with our Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager Hannah Morgan at [email protected].

What's your volunteer attendance policy?

We kindly ask that you arrive on time and prepared for each scheduled shift you sign up for. If you are unable to attend, please notify us as early as possible so we can plan accordingly. Repeated absences without notice (three or more missed shifts) may result in removal from the volunteer program.

What should I bring or wear?

Volunteers should wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows for ease of movement. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety. Please avoid wearing anything that could be considered inappropriate in a family or professional environment.

All volunteers are also required to wear their volunteer lanyard and name tag at all times so they can be easily identified by staff and families in the House.

Can I get a reference or volunteer verification letter?

Yes! Volunteer verification letters and references are available for personal use, as well as for high school or college service hour requirements. To request documentation, please contact our Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, Hannah Morgan, at [email protected].

Please note that we are unable to verify court-ordered service hours. Individuals seeking court-mandated service are encouraged to connect with other organizations that can meet those requirements.

Where should I park?

Please feel free to park in the lot directly in front of both our DC and NoVA House locations. If the front lot at the NoVA House is full, please use the larger parking lot behind the House on Gallows Road, which is easily recognizable by the large construction trailers that share the space.

What should I do when I arrive for my shift?

Please check in with an on-site staff member upon arrival so they are aware you’re in the House. Be sure to clock in through Volunteer Local, or ask a staff member to assist you if needed.

If you’ve signed up for a specific role (such as welcome desk support, a holiday activity, or kitchen keeping), please proceed directly to your assigned area and ask for support as needed. If you’re unsure where to begin, please connect with a staff member for guidance – they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Are there any health or safety protocols I need to follow?

Yes – due to the sensitive nature of our House environment, we ask all volunteers to prioritize health and safety at all times.

Please do not come in if you have experienced any cold/flu symptoms within the past 48 hours, including but not limited to fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, nausea, vomiting, etc.

If you are not feeling well in any capacity, we kindly ask that you stay home and return when you are fully well. Your caution helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment for the families and guests we serve.

Can I bring a friend or family member with me to volunteer? Are my children allowed to come?

We are only able to accommodate volunteers who have fully completed our application, background check, and onboarding process. This ensures all volunteers are in full compliance with our safety policies, guidelines, and requirements.

One exception: adult volunteers may bring their teen child (age 16–17) to volunteer alongside them, provided this is coordinated in advance with the Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager and both participants have completed a Minor Participant Waiver Agreement.

All other adults (18+), whether related or non-related, are required to follow the standard volunteer application and onboarding process.

Minors under the age of 16 are not permitted to volunteer in the House. However, they may still support our mission through off-site opportunities such as Care Kit Creation.