Get Involved
Find volunteer opportunities at Ronald McDonald House
Families come here from across Iowa and beyond because their child needs a hospital that’s nowhere near home. Volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House® in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids are why they get to stay close.
Help families stay close
Your help keeps our rooms clean, shelves stocked
Hear from a few of our dedicated volunteers in this video, and see if it’s a fit for your life.
Our volunteer requirements
Sixteen is the minimum for most shifts, with exceptions for roles that put you in front of families or behind the wheel.
The authorization form comes to you by email after you apply, and the background check must clear before your first shift.
The volunteer application is for routine volunteers who come back on a regular schedule. If you’re looking for a one-time project for your group, reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ronaldmcdonaldhouseic.org to learn more.
This information is for volunteers interested in regularly volunteering at the House. If you’re looking for a one-time volunteer project, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ronaldmcdonaldhouseic.org to learn more about available opportunities.
- Volunteers must be 16 or older for most volunteer shifts. Volunteers must be 18 or older to help at the front desk or drive the shuttle.
- All volunteers must complete a background check before your first volunteer shift
- Work with our Volunteer Coordinator to find the volunteer opportunities that are the best fit for you and your schedule.
How you’ll help our families
In-house volunteer
Help keep our House running smoothly by assisting with cleaning, laundry, organizing donations, and other projects that create a welcoming and comfortable space for families.
Front desk volunteer
Welcome families to the House by helping with check-ins, answering questions, and providing a friendly face when they arrive.
Event volunteering
Help make our events a success by volunteering at one of our events throughout the year. From setup and check-in to helping during the event, there are plenty of ways to get involved!
Apply to volunteer
One application covers every routine role with Ronald McDonald House. Fill it out and our Volunteer Coordinator will get in touch to work out when and where we could use your help.
Questions before you apply? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ronaldmcdonaldhouseic.org.
Frequently asked questions about volunteering
How volunteering works
Fill out the volunteer application on this page and clear the background check you are sent. Our volunteer coordinator will work out your recurring shift from there. The application is for routine volunteers — one-time projects for groups should contact the manager directly at volunteer@ronaldmcdonaldhouseic.org.
Cleaning, laundry, preparing guest rooms between families, driving the House shuttle van, sorting donations, running errands, and helping at events. It’s the work that keeps a house running.
For groups with younger children, create cards or artwork for families, collect pop tabs, or host a donation drive from our Wish Lists. We also invite families and school groups to volunteer at our special events throughout the year.
Other ways to help
Prepare a Meal
Cook and serve one evening meal for the families staying with us.
Sponsor a Meal
Pay to have a warm meal brought in for our families; our staff will take care of all the arrangements.
Host a fundraiser
Run your own event and share the proceeds with us.
Events
Volunteer at the Red Shoe Run, the Golf Gala and the rest of the year’s events.