Hospitality Cart Volunteer at Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Lurie Children's Hospital

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Purpose: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) provides housing, support and community so families with sick children can stay together. This includes serving families inside local hospitals who need to remain very close to their children. The Hospitality Cart reaches these in-hospital families by bringing refreshments and activities directly to the critical care units of Lurie Children’s Hospital. Hospitality Cart volunteers make this possible by taking the cart - a mini Ronald McDonald House on wheels - to several floors of the hospital to distribute coffee, snacks, toiletries, and gifts directly to families. In this way volunteers spread comfort and cheer, and families get a much-needed treat without ever leaving the hospital.

Location: Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Lurie Children’s Hospital, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage with families by greeting them and welcoming them to enjoy the cart’s offerings.
• Take the cart to each critical care unit inside the hospital, while adhering to the

specified schedule and route.

• Always oversee the cart’s security and ensure its proper utilization by families.
• Thoroughly stock and clean the Hospitality Cart during each volunteer shift.
• Track data related to item usage/distribution and inform staff of supply needs.
• Answer questions and speak confidently about the Hospitality Cart, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and overall organization.

• Interact professionally with all guests, fellow volunteers, donors, and staff.

Qualifications:

• Agreement with and alignment to all RMHC-CNI rules, policies and protocols, including our current, post-COVID participation requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with other volunteers and staff.
• Willingness to engage with and provide service to in-hospital families.
• Comfortable cleaning and maintaining a high level of organization.
• Ability to push the Hospitality Cart throughout the hospital.
• Must be capable of standing for three hours, squatting and carrying up to 35 pounds.
• Volunteers must be dependable, trustworthy, friendly and flexible.

Time Commitment and Scheduling:

• Volunteers must commit to two set, recurring shifts each month for at least one year.
• Volunteer shifts are available on weekdays in the morning and afternoon.

Training and Support:

• Volunteers must complete both the RMHC-CNI and Lurie Children’s Hospital onboarding requirements, including: orientation/info sessions, background checks, health screening/proof of vaccinations, and an on-site shadow shift.
• Hospitality Cart Volunteers report to the Ronald McDonald Family Room staff and Volunteer Services Manager.

Applying:

• Interested individuals can submit an online application: http://luriefrvolunteers.rmhccni.volunteerhub.com/.