At Ronald McDonald House New York, our mission to support families facing pediatric illness is one of compassion, care, and community. Each year, we witness incredible acts of kindness from a dedicated network of volunteers who step up to bring comfort and joy to the families we serve. In 2024, their collective efforts have been nothing short of remarkable.
These volunteers, coming from all walks of life, embody the heart and soul of RMH-NY. Whether lending a hand in our East 73rd Street House, brightening hospital family rooms, or offering their professional expertise, their contributions are invaluable. This year, as we reflect on their impact, we are reminded that it takes a village to create a space where families can feel at home, even during their most challenging moments.
The Many Faces of Volunteerism
Volunteering at RMH-NY takes many forms, each vital to the well-being of our families. From individuals offering their time regularly to corporate groups organizing special events, every effort creates a ripple effect of positivity.
Individual Volunteers
Individual volunteers are the backbone of RMH-NY. They dedicate countless hours to welcoming families, assisting with daily operations, and ensuring our spaces are warm and inviting. These volunteers often form meaningful bonds with families, offering a listening ear or a smile that provides comfort during difficult days.
Their roles may seem simple—greeting new arrivals, sorting donations, or tidying shared spaces—but these small acts of kindness help create an atmosphere where families can focus on what matters most: their child’s health.
Corporate and Community Groups
Corporate and community group volunteers bring an exciting energy to the House, often tackling large-scale projects or hosting events that leave a lasting impression. In 2024, we saw groups creating care packages, organizing meal services, and beautifying our spaces.
These teams come together with a shared purpose, crafting moments of joy for families while strengthening their own bonds as colleagues or community members. The impact of their efforts is felt not only by the families but also by the volunteers themselves, who leave with a sense of fulfillment and connection.
Skills-Based Volunteers
For those with specialized expertise, skills-based volunteering offers a unique way to contribute. From designing marketing materials to offering financial advice, these volunteers lend their professional talents to ensure RMH-NY operates efficiently and effectively.
Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is profound. By sharing their knowledge, skills-based volunteers help us expand our reach and improve the services we offer to families.
Special Event Volunteers
Special events at RMH-NY are moments of celebration and connection, made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers. In 2024, volunteers helped bring holiday festivities, themed parties, and other memorable activities to life.
These events provide families with much-needed breaks from the stress of medical treatments, allowing them to create cherished memories together. Volunteers who participate in these events leave knowing they’ve played a part in lifting spirits and spreading joy.
Shoutouts to Our Incredible Partners
A heartfelt thank you goes out to some extraordinary partners whose commitment has made an indelible impact this year:
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Bobby Grubert: Their dedicated promise to bring the House into the digital age and enhance all processes in the House from operations and compliance to digital fundraising and more. Also, for their continued dedication to our meals program, ensuring families are nourished and cared for during challenging times.
- Bloomberg and RCANO: For their incredible service through our meals program, consistently showing up to provide comfort and sustenance.
- Macy’s and Flourish by Marc Eliot: For keeping the House beautiful and making every event picture-perfect with their creative touch.
- Youth Advisory Council: For bringing our message to a younger audience and helping to usher in a whole new round of philanthropists.
- Garden of Dreams Foundation: For their unwavering support in the House and our family rooms, spreading joy and compassion with every visit.
- Broadway Inspirational Voices: You continue to offer your unique and incredible talents to connect and empower our children through the gift of music.
- NYPD and FDNY: For always bringing smiles to our children with their iconic bucket visits and for organizing clothing and toy drives during this season of giving.
- Helping Hands Corporate Teams: For taking valuable time out of their busy schedules to assemble care packages, lead projects, and make life brighter for the kids and families in the House.
- Michael Brill and the Board of Associates: For their tireless efforts to engage a new generation of younger donors, ensuring RMH-NY’s mission continues to grow.
- And last, but not least: Our family of individual volunteers: You show up every single week, rain or shine. You know how the House ticks, and you show up to make certain that you help move this ship forward however you might be needed in any given week. Our deepest thanks for your service, without which, we would not be where we are today.
Your contributions have gone above and beyond to enrich the lives of the families we serve.
A Year of Impact
In 2024, volunteers achieved incredible milestones at RMH-NY:
- Assembled thousands of care packages, ensuring families had essentials and thoughtful touches to brighten their days.
- Served countless meals, providing nourishment, and creating opportunities for families to connect over shared dining experiences.
- Supported hospital family rooms across NYC, offering respite and comfort to caregivers during long days at the hospital.
- Beautified our spaces through cleaning and organizing projects, making the House feel more like home.
- Brought smiles through activities, crafts, and special events that allow families to relax and recharge.
Every act of service has contributed to our mission of creating a safe, welcoming environment for families navigating the challenges of pediatric illness.
Why Volunteers Matter
Dot, from the musical Duo, Dusty and Dot interacts with a child during a volunteer performance at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
At RMH-NY, we often say we couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers—and it’s true. The time, energy, and resources they dedicate are fundamental to our ability to serve families in need.
Volunteers provide more than just physical assistance. They offer hope, compassion, and a sense of normalcy to families during uncertain times. Their presence reminds our families that they are not alone and that an entire community stands with them.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we close the year, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to every volunteer who has contributed to RMH-NY in 2024. Whether you donated your time as an individual, rallied your colleagues for a group project, or shared your professional skills, you have made a difference.
Your efforts have allowed us to support more families than ever before, expanding our mission to include health equity initiatives and reaching underserved communities across NYC. This progress would not have been possible without your unwavering support.
To every volunteer who has given their heart to RMH-NY this year: thank you. Your compassion has transformed our House into a home and given families the strength to face each day with hope.
Join Us in 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, the need for volunteers remains as strong as ever. There are countless ways to get involved, from assembling care packages to hosting special events. Whatever your skills or interests, there’s a place for you at RMH-NY.
Together, we can continue to provide comfort, care, and community to families in need. To learn more about volunteering opportunities, visit our website or contact us directly.
Let’s make 2025 another year of hope and healing for the families we serve.
