Three volunteers serve a meal from foil trays in a Family Room kitchen
Three volunteers serve a meal from foil trays in a Family Room kitchen

Individual Volunteers

Volunteer with Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio!

Over 500 individual volunteers help make our programs feel like home and provide critical operational support across eight Northeast Ohio locations.

We welcome new volunteers at:

  • Ronald McDonald House Akron and Cleveland
  • Hospital-Based Programs in Cleveland & Mahoning Valley
Individual Volunteer Requirements & Application Process
  • Volunteer shifts vary by program and role; a minimum three-month commitment is preferred.
  • All volunteers must be 18 years or older (see Youth Opportunities for those under 18).
  • We do not offer positions for court-ordered community service.
  • Our application process includes:
    • Application
    • Criminal background check
    • Interview and/or tour
    • Note: We do not offer positions for court ordered service
  • Additional requirements apply for hospital-based placements.

At full capacity, the Akron House is supported by approximately 200 dedicated volunteers who help ensure a welcoming, supportive environment for families.

Volunteer Roles:

  • Core House Volunteers
    Support daily House operations, including cleaning, stocking, baking, meal prep, laundry, donation processing, and assisting families as needed.
  • Kitchen Support Volunteers: help prepare meals and organize food and supplies for families staying at the House.
  • Housekeeping & Facilities Support: help keep shared spaces clean, safe and welcoming for the families staying at our House.

When our 53-family Cleveland House is full, more than 300 volunteers support families throughout the House and hospital network.

Volunteer Roles:

  • House Support
    Answer phones, give tours, prepare guest rooms, greet families, and provide compassionate hospitality.
  • Family Meal Program
    Support daily meal service, including prep, cleaning, inventory, and restocking. The kitchen serves both House guests and Hospital-Based Programs.
  • Maintenance
    Assist with general upkeep, repairs, and organization throughout our 53-room House.
  • Transportation
    Deliver meals and supplies, transport donations, and support Hospital-Based Programs.
  • Grounds & Gardening (Seasonal)
    Help maintain outdoor spaces including gardens, play areas, and contemplative walkways. All skill levels welcome.
  • Pet Therapy
    Certified therapy animals visit families in common areas, outdoors, and during special events.

Contact:
Rebecca Cleveland

volunteercle@rmhneo.org | 216.229.5758 x1102

Our Hospital-Based Programs provide comfort and support to families just steps from their child’s care.

Volunteer Roles:

  • Ronald McDonald Family Room Host
    Welcome families, register visitors, restock snacks, maintain the space, and enforce hospital policies.

    Locations:
    • Cleveland Clinic Children’s
    • Cleveland Clinic Fairview
    • MetroHealth Medical Center
    • UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s

  • STAR Center Assistant (Cleveland Clinic Children’s)
    Support children through learning and play while siblings receive outpatient care.
  • STAR Corner Assistant (Akron Children’s – Mahoning Valley)
    Lead age-appropriate activities focused on healthy habits, social skills, and school readiness.

Please note: Each hospital has its own volunteer requirements in addition to the Ronald McDonald House NEO application process.

Contact:
Rachel Greenberg
rgreenberg@rmhneo.org | 216.229.5757 x1136

Overview:
The Ronald McDonald House Resource Link offers a searchable directory of services and custom guides for families.

Volunteer Role:

  • Content & Data Support
    Tech-savvy volunteers help curate and enter resource listings into the database.
    Experience with social services or systems of care is helpful.

Contact:
Rebecca Cleveland

volunteercle@rmhneo.org | 216.229.5757 x1102

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