Volunteer with Meals & Hospitality

After a long day at the hospital, families can return to Ronald McDonald House Southern Colorado knowing dinner will be waiting. Through our Meals that Mend program, individuals and groups help provide that comfort—whether preparing a meal in our kitchen or helping make one possible from afar.

A warm meal can make a long day a little easier.

After a long day at the hospital, coming back to a warm meal can provide a little comfort and one less thing to worry about. Through Meals that Mend, volunteers help ensure families staying at Ronald McDonald House Southern Colorado can gather, recharge and enjoy a meal together.

Choose How You’d Like to Help

Cook a Meal at the House

Prepare dinner or Sunday brunch in our kitchen.

Cater a Meal

Order from a local restaurant and have a ready-to-serve meal delivered.

Drop Off a Meal

Purchase a meal prepared by a restaurant or licensed commercial kitchen and bring it to the House.

Adopt a Meal

Provide the funds and we’ll take care of the meal.

Stock Our Freezer

Prepare an approved meal in our kitchen to freeze for a day when another meal provider isn’t available.

Before You Commit

All food must be prepared on-site or in a licensed retail food kitchen. Homemade food prepared off-site cannot be accepted.
Meal providers are responsible for all meal expenses.
Groups are limited to 8 people, ages 10 and older.
Anyone under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Each group must designate one point of contact.
After preparing your meal, please wash all dishes and sanitize the surfaces used.
Sunday brunch providers should plan to stay until approximately 12:30 p.m. to serve and clean up.
All applicable food-safety requirements must be followed.
Please Note: Due to the sensitivity of our mission, we are unable to accept court mandated community service hours as volunteers.

Planning Your Menu

Dinner: Plan for approximately 50 guests. An estimated headcount will be provided five days before your scheduled date.
Sunday Brunch: Plan for approximately 20 guests.
Every meal must include a protein, vegetable and starch. Salad does not count as the vegetable.
Salads, beverages and desserts are optional.
Please avoid spicy dishes. Spicy ingredients and sauces may be offered on the side.
Alcohol may not be used for cooking or consumption.
Meals that can easily be reheated work best.
When planning your menu, review meals scheduled one week before and after your date to help us avoid serving similar meals too close together.

Ready to Provide a Meal?

Contact Lourdes Stern, House Operations Manager, lourdes@ronaldmcdonaldhousesoco.org or at 719-471-1814 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do meals have to be ready to serve?

Dinner must be ready to serve at 6:00PM; Brunch must be ready to serve at 10:30AM.

Do I/we need to complete a Volunteer Application or go through training to provide brunch or dinner?

No.

Can I/we stay to serve the families and meet them?

Yes! Our families love to meet our meal providers. You can also stay to help with clean up at 7:30PM. Brunch providers should stay to serve and clean up after brunch. Brunch is served from 10:30AM-12:00PM.

Do I/we need to bring small appliances or baking pans?

Our kitchen is fully stocked. We have 4 ovens, 2 cooktops, 5 slow cookers, cookware, baking pans, 1 food processor, 1 Kitchen Aid mixer, and a propane grill for your use. Please ask if there is something specific you’d like to know if we have available.

Do I/we need to provide paper goods and serving utensils?

We provide plates, utensils, napkins, drinking glasses, and all serving utensils.

Does Ronald McDonald House provide any basic ingredients?

We typically have flour, condiments, spices, etc. for use. Please let us know if you’d like us to check for specific ingredients you can use.

Can my kids volunteer with me?

The minimum age to volunteer with us is 10. Anyone under 18 years of age must be supervised at all times. you missed all this content?