Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. We have many volunteer opportunities to suit your schedule and preferences, whether serving as a House Volunteer, a Teen Volunteer, working with our Meal & Casserole Program or working as a Special Event or Speaker's Bureau Volunteer.
Volunteer Application
If you would prefer to fill out this form electronically, please contact Laura Wright for Tampa, Lise Fields for St. Pete or Alison Barrick for Admin to have one emailed to you directly.

St. Pete Volunteer Recognition 2008 Photo Gallery

Tampa Volunteer Recognition 2008 Photo Gallery

VOLUNTEER PROFILE
Carla Saavedra - Tampa House Volunteer, Member of Tampa House Operations Committee & Board of Trustees
	Carla Saavedra is one of those volunteers that any organization would consider themselves lucky to have. She has been a Tampa House volunteer for the past seven years, and a member of our Tampa House Operations Committee and Board of Trustees for the past six years. Carla is one of those people that some of us might envy – she’s full of energy and always on the go, running her own organizing business called Clearly Organized Inc. in addition to her RMH duties. Her dedication to our organization shines through with her attendance at every RMH event, whether it’s a volunteer recognition function, our Storybook Ball or Golf Classic (yes, she’s a golfer too), a special event held by another organization on our behalf, or speaking on our behalf to other groups. Carla is one of those rare breeds in Florida…a native! She was born at Tampa General Hospital and is a lifetime resident of South Tampa. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida and married to Henry Saavedra. RMH: What do you find most rewarding in volunteering for Ronald McDonald House? CS: Making RMH a peaceful, comfortable environment for families with children who are critically ill. RMH: Some people might not know what a daytime RMH House volunteer does. Can you outline some of the things you find yourself doing during your shift? CS: There is always something to do at the House. I check new families in and out, answer the phone and accept payments, give directions, work in the kitchen, give tours, assist staff, and most importantly, listen to families talk about their child’s progress. RMH: How did you first become involved with RMH? CS: I was an active member of the Junior League of Tampa during the planning and construction phase of the Tampa House, and their fundraising effort. So I was already well aware of the House, but not yet involved on a personal level. But that all changed when our good friend George Meyer (another RMHC Board of Trustees member) invited us to the Storybook Ball in 2000. I was hooked! Within the month I was trained to become a House volunteer. RMH: What do you feel is most important about volunteering at RMH? CS: Lending an ear to a family in need. Thank you Carla for your dedication to our organization and for making the lives of our families just a little bit brighter.

Thank you Linda Morales!
Linda works for VF Imagewear, and their foundation recognized her as one their top 100 Associates who accumulate the highest number of community service hours. Linda put in extra hours as a shift volunteer at the Tampa RMH so she could quality! A $1,000 contribution was made to Ronald McDonald House as her charity of choice.

HOUSE VOLUNTEERS

Trained volunteers are an integral part of the Ronald McDonald House program. Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis every day of the week for these shifts:
9:00 am-1:00 pm, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, 2:00 pm-6:00 pm or 6:00 pm-10:00 pm.

Volunteers assist in the day-to-day operation of the House by registering families, giving House tours, answering phones and helping where needed.

Volunteers must have the ability to relate to children and adults. A primary quality is the ability to be a good, understanding listener as parents may need to share the burden of their child’s hospitalization. Good telephone and organizational skills are important, as well as the ability to climb stairs. We have a great need for volunteers who speak Spanish.

Volunteers must have their own transportation. Adult singles or couples are welcome. Volunteers are needed for transportation, arts & crafts, house decorating and those with special skills such as hair styling or massage therapy. Top

TIME COMMITMENT

A minimum of two four-hour shifts per month is requested as outlined above. We strive to have two volunteers per shift, but from time to time you may need to work alone at the volunteer desk.

TEEN PROGRAMS

It takes many people to maintain this large household, and volunteering your time makes you a vital part of this team.

You must be at least 14 years old.

Applications for teen volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parental signature.

After an orientation, teen volunteers work up to 3 hours a shift on weekdays in groups or with a partner.

We are an official Service Learning Site to accrue hours towards the Florida Scholarship Program. Contact the House for further information. For St. Pete, email Judy Glass and for Tampa, email Betsy Wilkinson.

Activity List for 6-14 year olds. Top

MEALS & CASSEROLES

Create a casserole supper, cook in our kitchen or on our gas grill, order in pizza, make breakfast, stew, soup or chili.
Bring in a prepared meal for RMH volunteers to set up and serve, prepare and serve the meal yourself or dine with our families after your “chef” work. Members from local civic clubs, churches and area businesses love this fun and creative “teambuilding” effort!

Fresh Meat & Dairy Sponsor – help fund weekly bulk deliveries of fresh beef, chicken and milk for the children and new mothers who need the nutrition.

Hold a Pantry Drive – collect canned goods, paper products, cleaning and other household supplies - we’ve got 66 bedrooms, 70 bathrooms & four kitchens! Top

OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

Update our Medical Library – provide up-to-date books, magazines and CDs to help families obtain information on their children’s diagnoses and treatments.

Individuals or groups are needed to assist in planning and working special events. If your organization enjoys working together on events or if you would like to organize your own event to benefit our families, please contact the House for more information. Our two main events each year are the Charity Golf Classic in November and the Storybook Ball in the Spring.

Speaker's Bureau - if you enjoy public speaking and would like to learn the latest information about Ronald McDonald House while practicing how to organize and deliver effective presentations, then please join us. Contact Development & P.R. Coordinator Alison Barrick at (813) 258-6430, ext. 2. Top