For families caring for a sick child, the holidays can feel especially challenging. By volunteering together, your family can offer comfort and support to those facing these tough times — and make an impact this season.
With six family-friendly volunteer opportunities, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) is an ideal — and flexible — option.
Each year, this organization helps nearly 12,000 families stay close during tough times, providing a comfortable place to stay, warm meals and a supportive community while their children receive life-saving medical care at nearby hospitals.
“The holidays are our greatest time of need, and we rely heavily on community support,” says Allie DiFrancesca, RMHC-CNI’s Director of Community Engagement. “Hundreds of families will be staying with us during the holidays, and we have so many ways Chicago families can show their support.”
As you plan your holiday activities, consider the many families who will be spending this season far from home, focused on their child’s health. This November and December, your family can give back and create meaningful holiday memories through these six opportunities.
1. Cook meals for families
The area of greatest need is to provide meals, since Ronald McDonald House serves hundreds of parents and children at least one meal per day.
Kids must be at least 13 years old. Groups of up to 10 spend 3-4 hours in the kitchen helping prepare, serve and clean up a freshly prepared meal for families staying at each location.
“At our program locations across the Chicagoland area, groups organize the menu, purchase the groceries and bring them with you to prepare in our house kitchens,” DiFrancesca. “We’ve seen groups host barbecue cookouts, make chilis and stews, and cook big Italian feasts. There are endless options.”
Unique to the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s, volunteers can also give a monetary donation and receive the ingredients they’ll need. They then prepare meals alongside a chef and serve them to the 80+ families staying at the house.
2. Create care kits
When families rush to the hospital to be with their child, the last thing on their minds is packing essentials. That’s where care kits come in. These ready-made bags, filled with nutritious snacks, bottled water, toiletries and more, offer relief to families who spend long hours at the hospital.
It’s a flexible activity that can be done at home or as part of a larger community effort.
“Families can put together five or 50 kits. It’s really up to them,” DiFrancesca says. “Even if it’s one care kit, that’s one family who feels the impact of your time and effort.”
Volunteers can gather the items from a list provided on the Ronald McDonald House website, and there are ways for kids of almost any age to be included.
“Kids can draw a picture or write a sweet note to include in the kit,” says DiFrancesca.
3. Bake cookies for families
The Cookies from the Heart program lets families get even closer to the mission by baking cookies in the kitchen of one of the houses. Families staying at the house often smell the homemade cookies and visit the kitchen for a fresh-baked treat.
“We hear from these families that ‘I felt like I was at home,’” DiFrancesca adds. “It makes a big difference, these little things.”
This activity is for groups of up to four, and participants must be at least 10 years old, with one adult (age 18+) in the group.
“Volunteers decide on what they want to bake, purchase the groceries needed and do all of the baking on-site within our program locations,” says DiFrancesca.
Volunteers can also tour the program facility, seeing firsthand how they’re helping.
4. Buy gift wish list items
Being away from home over the holidays can be really tough. Here again, fellow families can step in to help.
“It’s a great way to make a challenging time of year a little bit easier for parents and families,” says DiFrancesca.
Visit Ronald McDonald House’s digital wish lists or shop at your favorite store and pick out some items for kids and families. Then, call your desired house location to schedule a drop off of new, unwrapped items.
These gifts are available to RMHC-CNI families in a complimentary holiday “store,” where they can complete their holiday shopping without leaving their child’s side.
5. Host fundraisers together
Whether it’s running a race, celebrating a milestone or organizing a festive event, families can come together to raise critical funds in support of Ronald McDonald House’s mission.
From hosting a holiday cookie sale to offering gift wrapping in exchange for donations, the opportunities to make an impact are endless.
Ronald McDonald House’s flexible platform makes it easy for families to create personalized donation pages, share their goals and spread holiday cheer while supporting families in need.
6. Collect pop tabs
It may seem like a small task, but collecting pop tabs can make a big impact. The aluminum from these tabs is recycled and proceeds directly support Ronald McDonald House operations.
“It’s so accessible,” DiFrancesca says. “We see a lot of support from schools, scout troops, etc.” she adds. “It’s a great way for anyone to get involved.”
Collectors can make an appointment to drop those off at any of Ronald McDonald House’s 10 Chicagoland locations.
Help families who urgently need it
Volunteering with Ronald McDonald House during the holidays is an opportunity to support families seeking medical care at Chicagoland area hospitals.
And the support is needed more than ever.
“This year, we’ve seen a greater need from more families than ever before,” DiFrancesca says.
To discover more about supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, visit its website.
