Ronald McDonald House Charities Activity Overview

Transcription

1 Activity Overview

2 Introduction Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the activity program at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. The following slides give an overview of Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Kansas City locations, the activity program volunteer experiences and guidelines hosting an activity. Our Mission is to reduce the burden of childhood illness on children and their families by: Creating a caring and uplifting environment; Providing comfortable lodging convenient to a health facility; Investing in affiliated programs that comfort and assist children with health concerns, and their families; Undertaking resource and fund development activities that support our facilities, programs and services. Who we serve: Family Room Program over 57,000 visitors House Program nearly 5,500 families with an average stay of 8 days We accommodate 87 families nightly The new Wylie house is allowing 1,000 more families to be serviced each year Families with children born prematurely or with birth defects, treatment for cancer, burns, heart problems, surgery, trauma and more can stay at no cost ($10 donation/night suggested). Priority is given to families residing 35 or more miles from the metropolitan area and are referred by their social worker at the hospital(s).

3 Activity Overview Volunteers have the opportunity to help organize a fun activity at any of the Houses for the families to participate in after a long day of caring for their sick kiddos. Guest families are invited to activities at all locations. Through the activity program, volunteers offer a truly priceless experience for families going through immensely difficult times. Hosting an activity is a great way to engage with the families and allow them to do something lighthearted with their family to take a break from their daily stresses. Suggestions for activities or on-going events Host a Movie or Game Night Plan outside events- Longfellow Park Host Story Time Host a Puppet Show Organize a Scavenger Hunt Share your musical abilities Teach a Fitness Class Decorate for the Holidays Decorate Cookies Teach Dance Lessons Make Goodie Bags Host a Karaoke Party Host Arts and Crafts activities Make Door Decorations Donate items from our Wish List Host activities for teenagers

4 Basic Requirements for Hosting an Activity Dress comfortably and appropriately. No shorts, tank tops, or low cut blouses. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in group projects/special activities at RMHC-KC unless volunteering alongside an adult. All activity groups are screened in advance by the Guest Relations Manager. The Guest Relations Manager will be your point of contact for the activity/activities. A staff member will be available to assist you throughout your visit. Group size is limited to no more than 10 people and student groups with more than 8 kids must have at least two adult supervisors. Create ways for children and family members to become actively involved. Toys or favors will be screened in advance for safety and appropriateness. Stuffed animals and used items cannot be accepted. Please do NOT bring latex balloons, candles, knives, live plants, toy guns, water guns, or other unsafe materials. Please avoid items that are possible choking hazards. If you are planning a presentation for the patients and families, please limit it to minutes. We are a Religiously neutral environment and ask that you help maintain sensitivity to diverse beliefs and backgrounds. Please only engage in religious activities upon a family s request. Media coverage of activities is discouraged since it can create more stress for patients and families. If media coverage is requested, please seek approval from the Guest Relations Manager.

5 Basic Requirements Continued Confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Please do not exchange phone numbers or addresses. Also, your group may NOT take photographs or videos of guest families at any time. Please do not make promises to a child or family member, for you do not know if they can be fulfilled. Any person exposed to contagious diseases (chicken pox, shingles, hepatitis, measles, mumps, pink eye, etc.) in the past 4 weeks or who had flu-like symptoms (vomiting, rash, fever, diarrhea, etc.) in the past two-weeks, or fever of 100 degrees on the day of the activity is asked NOT to visit. For patients with weak immune systems, even a cold can be life threatening. Frequent hand washing is very important when working with patients. Public restrooms are available on the 1st floor and basement areas of Ronald McDonald House for your convenience. The activities must be well planned and have educational, inspirational or entertainment value to our children and families. Activities should be approximately an hour in length. While family members are welcome to attend activities we never know how many will feel like coming, but please don t let this discourage you. You can expect anywhere between 2-15 patients for an activity and patients and/or families for activities. Any art supplies, musical equipment, cd players, keyboards, microphones or props must be supplied by the person or group hosting the activity.

6 Scheduling Activities Click here to view our activity opportunities and then click the Holidays & Guest Enrichment icon. The calendar is listed under the description once you click on the activity you would like to host. If you would like to host a special activity that is not listed on our calendar sign ups, please guestrelations@rmhckc.org. Please include the following in your . Groups name Contact information 2-3 possible dates Group size Age range of group Do note that most activities are scheduled in the evenings after dinner. On occasion, weekends may be an exception to this rule.

7 On behalf of RMHC-KC Families, thank you for your support! Ronald McDonald House Charities Kansas City would not be successful without the volunteers who graciously give their time and talents to assist in our Houses and Family Room. It is through their dedication and support that we are able to serve so many families year after year. We hope that you too decide to volunteer with the guest enrichment program at the House that Love Built. Thank you for keeping families close to their sick kids.