12 Days of Volunteering: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay

With four locations in the Tampa Bay Area, Ronald McDonald House Charities are always looking for helpers to make their impact even more powerful. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay (RMHCTB) is a non-profit organization that offers families a place to stay while children receive treatment for illnesses.

It is a fact that families are stronger when they are together, so with the help of the RMHCTB, children can be comforted in knowing that their family is just around the corner.

The Board of Trustees for the RMHCTB consists of parents, McDonald's Corporation staff, medical professionals and leaders that are committed to the cause. When a child is sick, the best care may be hundreds or thousands of miles away. With the RMHCTB, the best treatment can be available to every child.

Families enjoy the simple comforts that a lot of us take for granted. Whether it's a home-cooked meal to eat or a private bedroom to stay in, the RMHCTB brings the warmth of a safe environment, so that families can feel comfortable even though they aren't at home.

Volunteers can apply here.

Some of the ways you can help include:

• House Volunteers: There is a required training if you choose to be a House Volunteer. The responsibilities are: welcoming new families to the house and giving them tours of the facility, answering telephones and helping with arts and crafts. An essential quality is being able to listen and understand parents that may need an ear to share with.
• Pluses: Special skills like hair styling, speaking Spanish and massage therapy are bonus material when it comes to volunteers.
• Time Commitment: A minimum of two, four-hour shifts per month are required to take this position.

• Housewarmers: These volunteers help make families feel at home by welcoming newcomers, tidying up the kitchen and supervising activities around the house. Providing a listening ear for parents staying at the house is also imperative. Housewarmers assist groups in prepping meals as well.
• Time Commitment: Volunteers are needed seven days a week and scheduling is flexible. There is not minimum monthly requirement for this position.

There are other ways to volunteer like being a part of the Red Shoe Council  or donating to the Meal Program (cook, sponsor or order in food for families and then come dine with the families).

• Upcoming, one-time events are coming up in 2012:

January 7, 2012- The Ronald McDonald House Pub Crawl

February 25, 2012- Suncoast Classic (5k and 10k run) benefitting the RMHCTB