Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Calls for Volunteers for 38th Annual Trains at NorthPark Fundraiser

The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is seeking community volunteers for its 38th annual Trains at NorthPark holiday exhibit, which opens November 15, 2025, and continues through January 4, 2026. This cherished fundraising tradition requires volunteer support throughout its eight-week run, particularly during weekdays when additional assistance is needed to maintain operations and create memorable experiences for visiting families.

Volunteer roles encompass various responsibilities including guest greeting, exhibit monitoring, ticket and merchandise sales, and assisting families as they navigate the holiday attraction. The event provides meaningful opportunities for individuals, school groups, corporate teams, and families to contribute to a vital community cause during the holiday season. All volunteers must be at least 15 years old and can register for shifts through the official https://trainsatnorthpark.org/volunteer/ website.

Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, emphasized the critical role volunteers play in the event's success, stating that their time and energy directly support the organization's mission of keeping families close to the medical care their children require. The Trains at NorthPark, presented by Bank of Texas for the seventeenth consecutive year, represents a significant fundraising initiative with a goal of generating more than $1.1 million to sustain RMHD's operations.

This year's exhibit will introduce several new attractions designed to enhance the visitor experience, including the Art on the Rails auction and Choo-Choo Tales live story-time performances. Additionally, Sensory Hours made possible by Children's Health will provide specialized accommodations for visitors with sensory sensitivities. The exhibit will be located on Level One of NorthPark Center, maintaining its traditional venue while expanding its programming offerings.

The financial impact of this event extends beyond the immediate holiday season, as funds raised directly support RMHD's ongoing mission of providing a home-away-from-home for families with children receiving critical medical treatment at Dallas-area hospitals. This support system enables families to remain intact during medical crises while establishing normal routines in challenging circumstances. The volunteer-driven nature of the event underscores the community's collective commitment to supporting vulnerable families during difficult times.

Jane Finan, volunteer services manager at RMHD, highlighted the indispensable contribution of volunteers, noting that the event simply couldn't happen without their dedicated service. The continuity of this 38-year tradition demonstrates the enduring community support for RMHD's mission and the importance of maintaining these fundraising efforts to ensure families can focus on their children's health without the additional burden of accommodation costs during medical treatment.