Ronald McDonald House Wagga recruiting around 20 volunteers to help families in need

House manager Jessica Lambert said while it may seem like a lot, an approximate 20 additional volunteers will help the 24-hour service astronomically.

"Many hands make light work when it comes to manning the facility," she said.

Mrs Lambert said while they are looking for volunteers to help in various forms, they are desperate for overnight volunteers as well as weekend helpers.

"An overnight volunteer's role is to sleep over and be a friendly face for families arriving back to the house from the hospital during the late afternoon," she said.

The house hosts families from all over the Riverina who need accommodation near Wagga Hospital due to their child receiving treatment.

"Being a 24/7hr service, they are also there to answer the phone if it calls overnight," Mrs Lambert said.

"Often families join us unexpectedly, with little to nothing with them.

"Overnight volunteers are there with a warm welcome, ready to put the kettle on and give them any essentials they might need."

While a weekend helper will cover smaller shifts from 11am to 2pm.

"A weekend volunteers role is to answer the phone and take any enquiries/ messages," Mrs Lambert said.

"They may also help clean and remake rooms when families are able to go home, getting it ready for the next family in need.

"Or they might run art and craft activities or bake with the families other kids.

"Others play board games or read a book with the guests.

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"The essence of the role is being that supportive person that is there when needed. What that looks like changes with each Family's needs and the volunteer's interests."

Mrs Lambert said they ask for a commitment of one shift per month.

"Volunteers also need to have a working with children check and national crime check, which they can obtain through us," she said.

But volunteering for Ronald McDonald House isn't only crucial to the service, but can be incredibly rewarding.

Volunteer, who works three days a week, Julie Hocking said she loves it.

"It gives me a chance to give back," she said.

"The people you meet here are great, it's truly an excellent environment.

"You're an ear, you're a shoulder, you're a helping hand and sometimes a hand to hold."

Mrs Lambert said it is crucial for the service to have volunteers.

"We couldn't achieve what we do without the invaluable help and contribution of our volunteers," she said.

"Without them, we simply wouldn't be able to operate 24/7. This would mean we couldn't offer families with sick kids the best medicine of all, their families."

Mrs Lambert said the process of signing up as a volunteer is simple.

"To become a volunteer, simply visit our website and click the "how to help" tab and then the "volunteer" option to register your interest," she said.

"From there, we will get in contact and bring you in for a tour of the house followed by an orientation.

"If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, don't hesitate to reach out on (02) 6925 0122."

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