Purpose: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) provides housing, support, community and access to high-quality healthcare so the families of pediatric patients can get better together. This includes serving caretakers who need to remain very close to their in-patient children. Our Hospitality Cart reaches these families by going into the critical care units of several partner hospitals. Hospitality Cart volunteers make this possible by taking the cart, a mini–Ronald McDonald House on wheels, to different areas inside the hospitals to distribute a variety of beverages, snacks, toiletries and activities directly to families. In this way, volunteers spread comfort and cheer, and families get a much-needed treat without ever leaving the hospital.
Locations:
- Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Lurie Children’s Hospital, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
- Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Comer Children's Hospital, 5721 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60615
Key Responsibilities:
- Interact professionally with all guests, other volunteers, donors, and staff.
- Engage with in-hospital families by greeting them and welcoming them to enjoy the cart’s offerings.
- Take the cart along its designated route throughout the hospital to reach families in different critical care units.
- Oversee the cart’s security at all times, and ensure its proper utilization by families.
- Thoroughly stock and clean the cart during each volunteer shift.
- Track data related to item usage/distribution, and inform staff of supply needs.
- Answer questions and speak confidently about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI), including our mission, programs, services and impact.
Qualifications:
- Vaccinated against COVID-19 and able to show proof of vaccination.
- Agreement with and alignment to all RMHC-CNI rules, policies and protocols.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with other volunteers and staff.
- Willingness to engage with and provide service to in-hospital families.
- Comfortable cleaning and maintaining a high level of organization.
- Ability to push the Hospitality Cart throughout the hospital and stand during each three-hour shift.
- Volunteers must be dependable, trustworthy, friendly and flexible.
Time Commitment and Scheduling:
- Volunteers must commit to set, recurring shifts each month for at least one year:
- Volunteers supporting the Hospitality Cart inside Lurie Children’s Hospital must commit to two set, recurring shifts each month.
- Volunteers supporting the Hospitality Cart inside Comer Children’s Hospital must commit to weekly shifts.
- Volunteer shifts are three-hours long, and available shift days/times vary by location.
Training and Support:
- Volunteers must complete both the RMHC-CNI and hospital onboarding requirements, including but not limited to: orientation/info sessions, background checks, health screening/proof of vaccinations, and an on-site shadow shift.
- Hospitality Cart volunteers report to the Ronald McDonald Family Room staff and Volunteer Services Manager.
Applying:
- Interested individuals can submit an online application: https://rmhccni.org/get-involved/individual-volunteer/
