RMHC Celebrates Volunteers and Seeks to Recruit New Ones Through Digital Scrapbooking

OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwire - Jun 21, 2012) - Between now and July 31, visitors to rmhc.org will have an opportunity to explore the Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) digital scrapbook to see just a few of the fun activities they can easily do to make a difference in the lives of children and families in their community. Instead of a typical summer, the nonprofit wants this to be a special time, one RMHC supporters and families will always remember. From raising money through a lemonade stand, to teaching children at the Ronald McDonald House® how to play baseball, to hosting a movie night for families, the Charity seeks to celebrate, inspire and create memories around volunteerism this summer.

People volunteer their time for a variety of reasons. Studies show that for Millennials, those in their twenties and the single largest generation in America, volunteerism fulfills their strong desire to "help people in need." Understanding this motivation, RMHC offers them downloadable "Educational Club Kits," designed to help kick start youth clubs dedicated to making the most of volunteer experiences so that this generation can give while getting credit for it in the future. And for parents, particularly those in their thirties and forties with school-aged kids 6-18, volunteering is an opportunity to spend quality time as a family while teaching their children the importance of using their talents and interests to help others -- something they can easily do at a Ronald McDonald House or a Ronald McDonald Family Room®.

The Charity is also motivating existing RMHC volunteers to share their experiences, appreciation for the families and the immeasurable gratification they feel when giving back through RMHC. On June 29, through a scrapbooking application on Facebook, existing volunteers will be able to personalize, select, customize and share their photos. By sharing these life changing moments with friends, family and RMHC fans, the Charity seeks to get more people interested in volunteering with its family-centered programs.

RMHC credits more than 30,000 staff and volunteers for their ability to serve 4.5 million families annually around the world. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization saving the Charity more than $40 million in operational costs. "RMHC family-centered programs provide a network of support and community that helps alleviate parental stress and anxiety after their child's admission to the hospital," said Jennifer Blanchard Smith, senior director of Communications and Special Programs, RMHC. "Support services and activities provided by volunteers and staff, nurture families and offer them a sense of normalcy. Together, we are able to take away families' worries so they can focus on what's most important, their child." This was recently exemplified when the American Hospital Association honored RMHC for being an exceptional partner in the delivery of health care services demonstrating that RMHC is part of the continuum of care that gives families the opportunity to stay close to their child.

From guerrilla marketing, to storytelling on social media, to virtual shopping, and now, digital scrapbooking, RMHC continues to use online and offline tactics to spread the word about its global reach and impact. RMHC supports families through programs and services in 57 countries and regions by providing stability and vital resources to families so they can get and keep their child healthy and happy.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 57 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.