Thank you for your interest in helping the families staying at the Albany Ronald McDonald House.  Providing meals, or baking fresh treats for our families is a very important part of our operation.  Our guests really appreciate a hot home-cooked meal prepared by caring individuals.   

Here are a few helpful documents to review and consider when planning your meal or baking session.

Ronald McDonald House Meal Guidelines (pdf version)  This document is also provided below.

Ronald McDonald House Meal Suggestions (pdf version) 

Ronald McDonald House Baking Guidelines (pdf version)

Meal Guidelines :

1. Dinner is usually served between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

2. Plan to cook dinner for 20-25 individuals. Feel free to contact a staff member a day or two before you serve your meal to confirm the number of people in the house.

3. Simple dishes can be enjoyed by all ages, but we ask that no lamb, fish or exotic dishes be served.

4. We have two large kitchens with plenty of utensils. There are two stoves in each kitchen. You are able to prepare the meal in our large kitchen, if needed you may use the ovens in the small kitchen, but please keep that kitchen available for families use as much as possible.

5. As most families arrive back at the House at different times please set the meal up buffet style, you may choose to set the tables with silverware, glasses and/or tablecloths.

6. Beverages do not need to be provided as we already have a $.25 Coke machine, coffee and milk. Feel free to bring a beverage if you prefer but be aware, no alcohol is permitted at the Ronald McDonald House.

7. Groups should bring a list of all ingredients used in preparing the meal.

8. Tours may be given upon request, please ask the volunteer or a staff member.

9. Please sign our ‘Goods and Services Book’ at the front desk before you leave.

10. Please keep in mind that the guests who you will be serving are presently experiencing crisis in their life. It is important to be empathetic and to set a respectful mood while cooking in the Ronald McDonald House.

11. Groups of 2-7 people work best but we request groups be no larger than 10 people so not to overwhelm our guests.

12. Please remind all chefs to wash hands thoroughly before and while preparing food, food save gloves are also available for your use.

To pick a date or ask further questions, call Debbie, Tina or Lori at 438-2655