VOLUNTEER
Our volunteers are the heart and hands of our House. They give families with critically ill or injured children the opportunity to spend more time caring for their child. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest (RMHC INW) is serving more families than ever before across our multiple programs in Northern Idaho and Spokane . Your support is needed to help with the ongoing operation of these special places our families call home.
*We are unable to accommodate court-ordered community service requests.
Volunteer Opportunities
Questions? Contact Kara Bilbo at karab@rmhcinlandnw.org
Individual & Youth Opportunities:
- Interested but not exactly sure where you want to volunteer, sign up for a 15-minute group Discovery Tour to learn more about our mission and volunteer opportunities.
- Volunteer Discovery Tours are held on the: need information
- Click here to sign up for a Discovery Tour!
Volunteer Orientation includes an overview of our mission, programs, and a tour of the House focusing on your specific area of volunteer service.
- First and third Thursdays of the month 10:30am-11:30am
- First and third Thursdays of the month 6:00pm-7:00pm
- First Saturday of the month, 10:00am-11:00am
- Click here to sign up for an interest meeting!
Do you love to be active and in motion while you volunteer?
House volunteers support the Family Services Team by completing tasks that create a warm, hospitable and clean space. Tasks include but not limited to; light cleaning of kitchen and common spaces, restocking of linens and taking out trash.
This is an individual volunteer opportunity. Must be at least 18 years old.
Time Commitment: Weekly or bi-weekly 4-hour shifts. 6 months minimum.
- 9am-1pm
- 1pm-5pm
- 5pm-9pm
Be the first-impression friendly face of our House to families and guests. Front Desk volunteers support the Family Service team by providing family focused customer service with a smile.
Tasks include but are not limited to answering phones and guests’ questions, taking reservations, greeting guests, and giving House tours. They also pitch in wherever they can: cleaning up a spill in the kitchen, tidying the common areas of the House, or sorting donations – whatever it takes to keep the House running smoothly.
This is an individual volunteer opportunity. Must be at least 18 years old.
Time Commitment: One weekly or bi-weekly 3-hour shift. 6-month minimum commitment.
- Daily Shifts available:
- 10:00 am-1:00 pm
- 1:00 pm -4:00 pm
The Niche Volunteer position is designed for the individual who has the desire to serve in a particular area or share a specific skillset that supports daily operations of RMHC INW. This position has the potential for some family interaction, but not frequent. Ex: Yard Work, Maintenance, Pantry Organization, Vacuuming, Shoveling Snow etc.
The Activity Volunteer position is designed for the individual who has a desire to share a specific skill or service that enhances the guest’s experience and supports self-care, social and/or emotional needs. This is a high-level customer service position and requires volunteers who are engaged, compassionate and friendly. Volunteers will engage directly with families. Ex: Pet Therapy, Manicures, Hair Cuts, Story Time, Arts & Crafts etc.
Time Commitment: 6-month minimum commitment. Times and days will vary based on service or activity. Flexible schedule options.
Teen Board 10th-12th Graders
The Teen Board is a leadership group comprised of Spokane rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who serve as ambassadors of our House in their school and community. The Teen Board meets once a month from September – May and is designed to empower high school students with a platform to develop leadership skills, volunteer and make a positive impact for families within our local community receiving medical care. We understand the importance of fostering student leadership and providing opportunities for personal growth outside of the classroom. Mentors will provide insight into the functions and demands of non-profit management through committees that simulate our non-profit…culminating with the annual Flamingo Flock Fundraiser in April.
Here are some key highlights of the Teen Board Program:
- Student-Led Initiatives: Participants will have the opportunity to initiate and lead projects that support house operations and the guest experience for families staying at RMHC. From organizing events to fundraising and awareness campaigns, students will take the reins in shaping their Teen Board.
- Immersion Mentorship and Guidance: Our team provides hands-on experience to help teens gain a deeper understanding of our mission, partnerships, and non-profit management. RMHC staff focuses on helping students develop essential leadership skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to foster personal growth and confidence.
- Collaboration and Networking: The Teen Board Program is comprised of students from schools across the Spokane area Inland NW and facilitates collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds and interests. Through teamwork and cooperation, participants will learn the value of collective action and serve as ambassadors for RMHC in our community.
- Recognition and Impact: Participants will have the opportunity to see the tangible results of their efforts as they make a positive impact for families at our House and in our community. Their contributions will be recognized and celebrated, reinforcing their sense of achievement and motivation.
The application and interview process has closed for the current school year but will open April 1-30 for the 2025-2026 school year.
Youth 10 years old and above can volunteer with their parents or guardian for specific special projects. Please contact Kara Bilbo to inquire.
We welcome the support of our youth through a variety of offsite opportunities.
OFF SITE OPPORTUNITIES (each of these below will need a How to Document created. The Charlotte website has great samples that I think we can replicate easily).
- Gift Card Collection
- Host a Supply or Toy Drive
- Pop Tab Collecting
- Make Door Decor for Families’ Rooms
- Participate in the Year of Love/Bingo
Group Volunteers
Questions? Contact Kara Bilbo at karab@rmhcinlandnw.org
Schedule: Wednesdays at: 9:00 am-1:00 pm or 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
- Contact Group Volunteer Manager to schedule
- Maximum Number of Volunteers: 15
- We supply the cleaning tools, and you supply the people to help! Groups will receive a House tour to learn more about our mission followed by an assigned area of the House to clean. We may need your help inside or outside the House. Contact Kara Bilbo directly to schedule your volunteer group.
AGE POLICY: Group members must be at least 12 years old. (We can think on this age requirement) There must be at least one adult (21 years or older) per group and that adult must serve as team leader and point of contact.
- Gift Card Collection
- Host a Supply Drive
- Stock Our “Pack A Smile” Snack Cart
- Pop Tab Collecting
- Cater a Meal at the House
- Make Door Decor for Families’ Rooms
Make-A-Meal Volunteers:
Support families facing their child’s health challenges by contributing to the Ronald McDonald House Meal Program. Donate or prepare a meal to provide comfort and a sense of community for these families during a difficult time.
Questions? Contact Ashley Olivarez at ashleyo@rmhcinlandnw.org
More information on our meal programs and to sign up:
What We Provide
We have a large variety of cooking utensils, dishes, cups, bakeware, crock pots, along with three ovens, a stovetop, and a large grill on the patio. Our kitchen is also stocked with staples including flour, sugar, cooking oil, spices, etc. You are welcome to use these items to prepare and serve your meal. Gloves are provided by RMHC and are required while preparing and serving food.
What To Bring
Please bring all the ingredients needed to create a well-balanced meal as well as necessary condiments, seasonings, toppings, etc. Remember to bring a hair tie as long hair must be tied up while preparing and serving food. Although not a requirement of meal program volunteers, serving beverages and dessert are greatly appreciated.
Parking & Check-In
There are several parking spots in the front with easy access to the building. The doors are locked, but upon ringing the bell a RMHC Team Member will let you in. There will be a short check in process to create a sticker badge for each volunteer. Each volunteer will need a valid ID for the check-in process. If a staff member isn’t at the desk, they will arrive shortly to begin the check-in process and show you to the kitchen. We have a locker area for volunteers to place their personal belongings.
Is it your first time cooking at RMHC?
Would a brief kitchen tour be helpful? If so, please contact Ashley Olivarez, the Event Coordinator at ashleyo@rmhcinlandnw.org.
Questions, Changes, or Cancellations:
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Event Coordinator, Ashley Olivarez, at 509-624-0500 or email at, ashleyo@rmhcinlandnw.org.
- Servings: 45-50
- Arrival Time: Between 4:00-5:00pm
- Serve: 6:00pm
- Available: Everyday
- Clean-Up: 7:00pm (leftover containers provided)
- Typical Time on Site: 4:30-7:30pm
- Servings: 45-50
- Arrival Time: Between 10:30-11:00am
- Serve: 11:30am-12:00pm
- Available: Weekdays only
- Typical Time on Site: 10:30am-12:00pm
- Servings: 45-50
- Arrival Time: Between 9:45-10:00am
- Serve: 11:00am
- Available: Weekends
- Clean-Up: 12:00pm (containers provided)
- Typical Time on Site: 10:00am-12:30pm
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
Get In Touch
Please fill out the form if you are interested in becoming a house volunteer, assisting with maintenance projects, sharing a special skill, or assisting with an event.
For more information: