Kelly McCrohon says they are needed for the house as well as in the community. 

“House volunteers meet and great families and show them around the home, as well as help with the general upkeep and cleaning of the place,” she said.

“Community volunteers help with jobs such as wrapping Mother’s Day gifts and selling raffle tickets.”

Built in three days by the community nine years ago, Ronald McDonald House in Dean Street has five bedrooms for people from across the New England north west.

There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry, playroom, barbecue area and parking.

Since opening its doors in 2008, more than 300 families have stayed at Ronald McDonald House. 

“We are grateful for the continued support and goodwill of the wider community,” Ms McCrohon.

There are currently about 50 volunteers who assist at the property, however, ideally she would like to see it manned round-the-clock.

She is a familiar face among volunteers, having previously worked for Oxley Community Transport Service.

Ronald McDonald House provides a “home away from home” to families of children receiving hospital treatment for serious and life threatening conditions at Tamworth Base Hospital.

If you would like to volunteer, phone 6767 8900.

Today’s volunteers are increasingly in better health, with a better income and more interested in the community aspect than making friends.

The three most prominent reasons for volunteering were “to put my spare time to good use” (53 per cent), “to improve the lives of older people” (42 per cent) and because “someone asked me” (40 per cent).

More than a quarter had volunteered for nine or more years and most of these longstanding volunteers were women.

Becoming involved helps maintain essential work skills like teamwork, communication and discipline. Volunteering can also give people access to work experience and training opportunities in employment-related areas like administrative skills, safety and first aid.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, with seniors forming a large part of this voluntary force and showing older citizens can provide, as well as receive, voluntary services.