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

The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is calling on the North Texas community to volunteer at The Trains at NorthPark, now entering its 38th year as a cherished fundraising tradition. The exhibit will run from November 15, 2025, through January 4, 2026, at NorthPark Center, with RMHD actively recruiting volunteers to support the eight-week event. This volunteer-driven initiative plays a crucial role in supporting families with children receiving critical medical treatment at Dallas-area hospitals by providing a home-away-from-home during difficult times.

Volunteers are particularly needed during weekdays and will assist with various essential functions including greeting guests, monitoring the exhibit, selling tickets and merchandise, and helping families create lasting holiday memories. Presented by Bank of Texas for the 17th consecutive year, The Trains at NorthPark aims to raise more than $1.1 million to support RMHD's mission of keeping families close to the medical care their children require. The financial impact of this event directly translates to practical support for families facing medical crises, making volunteer participation fundamentally important to the organization's operational capacity.

Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, emphasized that volunteers are the heart of this event. Their time and energy help support our mission of keeping families close to the care their children need. Every smiling face and helpful hand at The Trains at NorthPark plays a role in creating the magic that makes this event so meaningful. The exhibit represents more than just holiday entertainment—it serves as a critical fundraising mechanism that enables RMHD to maintain its essential services throughout the year.

The event provides an ideal opportunity for individuals, school groups, corporate teams, and families seeking meaningful ways to give back during the holiday season. Volunteers must be 15 years or older and can sign up for shifts online through the The Trains at NorthPark website. Jane Finan, volunteer services manager at RMHD, noted that whether you volunteer one shift or come back every week, your presence makes a difference. We simply couldn't make this event happen without our dedicated volunteers who generously give their time to support our families and spread holiday cheer.

This year's exhibit will feature several new attractions including the Art on the Rails auction and Choo-Choo Tales live story-time performances, as well as Sensory Hours made possible by Children's Health. Located on Level One in NorthPark Center, the enhanced programming reflects the organization's commitment to creating an inclusive and engaging experience for all visitors. The continued evolution of this 38-year tradition demonstrates how charitable events can adapt while maintaining their core mission of supporting vulnerable families during challenging medical journeys.