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Get Involved

Help us help even more families in need
How You Can Help

The families that stay at the Ronald McDonald House are facing emotional exhaustion, stress, and the mounting financial burden of their situation. Please know that your donation brings light to the dark times these families are facing, often resulting in tears of gratitude for your support. To make a cash donation, click the donate button, or learn about other ways to donate here.

You Make Healing Possible

About 90% of the families who stay with RMHC are not in a position to make a financial donation toward their stay. The charity depends almost entirely on generous public and private donations to make our services available.

Thank you to all of those who have so generously donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota, including those who have donated pop tabs, quilts, stuffed animals and baked goods. Every gift, large or small, lightens someone’s burden at the Ronald McDonald House.

Wish List Our Greatest Needs
ROOMS
  • White Queen Flat Sheets (500+ thread count)
  • White Queen Fitted Sheets (500+ thread count)
  • White Bath Towels
  • White Hand Towels
  • White Wash Towels
  • White Bath Floor Mat
  • Light Bulbs (60W/13 W Efficiency)
  • Light Bulbs (40 W Efficiency)
CLEANING
  • Dishwasher Liquid
  • Febreeze
  • Multipurpose Cleaners
  • Swiffer Duster
  • Swiffer Refills
  • Dryer Sheets
  • 33 Gallon Garbage Bags
  • Antibacterial Soap
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet Paper
  • Rags
  • Clorox Wipes
  • Pine Sol
HYGIENE
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Brushes and Combs
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Razors
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Kleenex
  • Nail Files
  • Nail Clippers
KITCHEN
  • Hot Cups
  • Cold Cups
  • Plastic Silverware
  • Cookie Sheets
  • Pizza Pans
  • Basic Metal Silverware
CLOTHING
  • Hats
  • Mittens
  • Pajamas
  • Slippers
FOOD AND SNACKS
  • Fruit Cups
  • Cans of Fruit
  • Spaghetti-O’s
  • Butter/Margarine
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Coffee (Ground and K-cups)
  • Granola Bars
  • Cereal Bars
  • Mac’ N Cheese
  • To-Go Snacks
  • Individual Jell-O
  • Individual Pudding
  • Fruit Snacks
  • Hamburger Helper
  • Juice
  • Hamburger
  • Pasta
  • Cooking Oil
  • Cooking Spray
  • Coffee Filters (Cone Style)
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Coffee Creamers
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Mayonnaise/Miracle Whip
  • Frozen Pizzas
  • Breakfast Cereals
  • Salad Dressings
  • Jelly

Collecting pop tabs is a great way to teach kids about philanthropy and the importance of recycling while helping raise funds for children and their families at the same time. With your help, we’re able to raise thousands of dollars with pop tab collections.

HOW?

If you’re interested in volunteering or participating in the pop tabs program, email Mary Andersen at mandersen@rmhcsodak.org or call (605) 336-6398 extension 3.

WHO?

Everyone can participate – companies, churches, families, elementary schools, high schools, colleges, we encourage everyone across South Dakota to collect pop tabs!

HOW MUCH?

While it does vary by Chapter, RMHC SoDak raises approximately $30,000 a year through their pop tab program.

WHERE?

Cardboard collection containers in the shape of a house have been distributed to schools, community and civic groups and other organizations in your area. Collect pop tabs to drop off at one of these areas, or contact Mary Andersen at mandersen@rmhcsodak.org or call (605) 336-6398 extension 3 about getting a collection container that you can be responsible for filling through one of your own groups.

Meals From The Heart

We rely on volunteers to prepare meals for our guest families through our Meals from the Heart program. Whether it’s a hot breakfast, brunch, or dinner, these meals not only provide nourishment; they provide strength and comfort so our families can face another long, exhausting day spent with their hospitalized child. There are multiple ways to participate in this program and scheduling is easy through our volunteer link.

Prepare a Meal

Gather a group of friends, family, co-workers, or others. Professional cooking experience is not necessary. Pick one of our House locations and a date. Our smaller 24th Street House by Avera averages 20 guests. The larger Lake Avenue House near Sanford Hospital has an average of 40 guests.

Sign up through our volunteer scheduling registration:

You can also register by emailing Mary Andersen at mandersen@rmhcsodak.org or calling (605) 336-6398 extension 3.

You decide on the menu and purchase the ingredients or contact us to see if we have the ingredients that you need. Then show up at your selected House and roll up your sleeves to prepare and serve a meal to our very appreciative families! Our guests enjoy tasting your own recipes and dishes, but if you’re looking for meal ideas, check out our cookbook link for some yummy suggestions.

Not Spaghetti Again Cookbook Picture

Have a Meal Delivered to the House

We understand you might not have time to cook but would still like to provide a meal to guest families. We can coordinate with you to arrange to have food delivered from a local restaurant.

Donate Cash or Gift Cards

There are times when our guest families cannot eat at scheduled mealtimes. In those cases, restaurant gift cards or cash donations are greatly appreciated.

To schedule a meal delivery opportunity or a cash or gift card donation to the Meals from the Heart program, please email Mary Andersen at mandersen@rmhcsodak.org or by calling (605) 336-6398 extension 3.

House Ambassador

Our volunteer House Ambassadors play an important role in the day-to-day operations of the Ronald McDonald House. They perform a variety of tasks such as administrative support, helping keep our house clean, offering family support, serving as a welcoming face, and providing information to our visitors.

Commitment

Minimum one 3-hour shift per month

Age

Must be 18 years or older

Shifts

Shifts are offered daily from:

  • 9am-12pm
  • 12pm-3pm
  • 3pm-6pm

Location

Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota
Lake Avenue House
825 S. Lake Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Duties Include

  • Answering phones
  • Inputting information into our computer system
  • Greeting people at the door
  • Providing tours to guests and visitors
  • Organizing donations
  • Assist with light household chores – laundry, light cleaning of common areas, room prep, etc.
  • Restocking our guest rooms
  • Assisting our guest families with items they need

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 18 years old
  • Basic computer skills
  • Must be able to go up and down stairs and lift 15 pounds
  • Must be dependable, trustworthy, friendly, and willing to work independently and as a team
  • Must sign a confidentiality agreement
  • Must consent to a background check

Training

House Ambassadors will need to sign up to complete one 3-hour shift of training with the Director of Programs. If the training schedule does not work for you, reach out and we can set something else up. Once training is completed, a full schedule of shifts will be available. House Ambassadors report to the Director of Programs and House Managers on duty.

Interested?

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, click on the button to schedule your training session.