Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida is recruiting volunteers for our family Meal Program.  Couples, families, organizations, service clubs, schools, offices, businesses and just plain individuals are encouraged to participate.

Meals must be prepared on-site, so, “c’mon over” to our House and enjoy the experience of preparing a meal in our large kitchen facility.  Most nights, if you prepare for twelve our families will be adequately provided for.  While here, you might overhear conversation between some of our families and learn just how much they appreciate your gift of a hot meal.

What could give a family facing life and death decisions more comfort than a meal prepared by loving hands and warm hearts that has been served up piping hot and sprinkled with love?  That’s what happens here each evening at our Ronald McDonald House~” The House That Love Built!”

Time for meals must be scheduled.  To schedule your special time once a week, once a month, or for the holidays, please call 239-437-0202 and ask us to write your name down on our meal schedule.  If this is your first time preparing a meal please let us know your full name and date of birth, phone number and email address if you have one as we background check our chefs. 

Steps to Successful Meal

• Call the house and schedule a date.  Give us your name, phone number and email. We try to have meals prepared for the families between 5-5:30 p.m. (However, if you are planning on being late, just let us know so we can inform the families.)  If you have selected your menu contact us and we will place this on the calendar as well.  This helps to prevent duplicate meals.
  
  
  
• Call the house 437-0202 a couple days prior to your date to see if the house is full or not. We usually have you cook for 8-10people.  Our max. occupancy is 24 people.  

• Decide on your Menu and purchase the supplies. Dessert isn't required but is enjoyed by the families. Beverages are not required.

• Come to the house and cook.  You can come early if you like and we will heat up your meal, or you can come in the late afternoon so it is ready when you leave.  You may or may not see families while you are at the house.  They are at the hospital on irregular schedules.  Know that the meals are greatly appreciated. Every minute they don’t have to cook, means more time with their sick child. If you are a group of volunteers coming to cook please keep your group size to 5-6 people. As most of our cleaning is done by volunteers we ask that you clean up the kitchen after the meal preparation.  Special wipes are provided for cleaning the counters and stainless steel appliances.  

• We have 2 stoves, 2 microwaves, a toaster oven, 2 crock pots and gas grill. We have 3 dishwashers.  We have plenty of cooking dishes, pans, etc.  We have some spices but if you need something specific please bring it. 

• Have Fun!  
  Please apply on line if you are interested.  If unable to come in and prepare a meal, would you consider donating an item from our wish list?

THANK YOU!!!