Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House

3921-3925 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA  19104

215.387.8406

www.philarmh.org 

People come from all over the country, and around the world, to treat their seriously ill children in Philadelphia hospitals. Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is the first of two hundred houses in operation internationally, existing to create a “home-away-from-home” for families treating their ill children. Families stay at the house for two weeks on average; however, many return throughout the year and some have stayed for as long as one year. PRMH charges a nominal fee for families to stay at the House, and it can be waived if needed; fees include room, dinner, and transportation. The House has forty-three rooms that serve more than 1,000 families each year; additionally, PRMH has family lounges, outdoor play areas, a teen center, laundry facilities and a large communal kitchen. Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is run by the work of volunteers; only eight full-time paid staff work at the House, while over 200 volunteers give more than 20,000 hours of service per year. 

Volunteer Opportunities:  

Meal Program

Provide a hot meal (including breakfast on weekends) for approximately seventy to seventy-five people on a regularly scheduled monthly basis for the families staying at PRMH. Generally, dinners are prepared; they are served at 6:00 p.m. Groups prepare a salad, main entrée with a side dish, as well as dessert. 

Contact: Linda Parry 

Daily Volunteers

PRMH can accommodate groups of up to ten volunteers, as well as individuals.

(incorporated from the PRMH website)

Volunteer duties are varied - depending on the day of the week, time of day, occupancy rate, and turnover of families. Below is a list of some duties that volunteers handle at the House. While the list describes typical volunteer duties, the House is successful in serving families due to the flexibility of volunteers. PRMH depends upon people who are willing to pitch in anywhere needed.

§         Check families in and out of the House
§         Answer phone calls
§         Monitor our security system
§         Handle wait list calls from hospital social service or families
§         Help with mailings
§         Write thank you letters to donors
§         Assist with data input in the Administrative office
§         Assist with House chores/maintenance
§         Make coffee and put out free food for families
§         Help keep kitchen and refrigerators clean and organized
§         Assist families on the use of the kitchen
§         Assist in preparing the evening meal
§         Drive the van at scheduled times and as needed
§         Drive families on other excursions
§         Other projects as needed  

When:  Every day there are three different shifts of volunteers - 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 1 - 6 p.m.; and 6 - 9 p.m. Six people volunteer on each shift.

Most volunteers work one shift a week or one shift every other week. The House’s greatest need is for weekend volunteers, but PRMH will work with you to find the shift that best suits your availability and the House’s needs.

In order to volunteer you must completely fill out an application
(check www.philarmh.org/volunteer.html) and attend one New Volunteer Orientation.

The mission of the House, the role of the volunteer, as well as a tour of the House will be covered at the Orientation. If volunteering at the House will be a mutually satisfying experience for you and PRMH, you will then schedule a training session. 

Contact: Linda Parry, Director of Volunteers, 215.387.8406 ext. 302,
LindaP@philarmh.org

IMPORTANT:

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and work as scheduled, maintaining consistency.

Directions to Agency