Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Seeks Volunteers for 38th Annual Holiday Train Exhibit

The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is calling for North Texas community members to volunteer at the 38th annual Trains at NorthPark exhibit, which opens November 15, 2025, and continues through January 4, 2026. This holiday tradition serves as a critical fundraising vehicle for the organization's mission of providing housing and support for families with children undergoing medical treatment at Dallas hospitals.

Volunteers aged 15 and older are needed most during weekdays to assist with guest greeting, exhibit monitoring, ticket and merchandise sales, and helping families create memorable holiday experiences. The event represents an important community support mechanism for families facing medical crises during what should be a joyful season. Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, emphasized that volunteers are essential to the event's success, stating their efforts directly support keeping families close to their children's medical care.

Now in its 17th consecutive year of presentation by Bank of Texas, The Trains at NorthPark aims to raise more than $1.1 million to sustain RMHD's operations. The funding supports the organization's home-away-from-home services for families who have traveled to Dallas for their children's critical medical treatments. This financial goal underscores the event's significance beyond seasonal entertainment, positioning it as a vital component of the healthcare support ecosystem for families in crisis.

Prospective volunteers can register for shifts through the official Trains at NorthPark volunteer portal. The accessibility of online registration makes participation convenient for individuals, school groups, corporate teams, and families seeking meaningful ways to contribute during the holiday season. Jane Finan, volunteer services manager at RMHD, noted that the organization relies entirely on volunteer support to operate the event successfully.

This year's exhibit will introduce several new features including the Art on the Rails auction, Choo-Choo Tales live story-time performances, and Sensory Hours facilitated by Children's Health. These additions reflect the organization's ongoing commitment to enhancing the visitor experience while maintaining the event's fundraising purpose. Located on Level One of NorthPark Center, the exhibit continues a tradition that has become integral to both holiday celebrations and charitable support in the Dallas community.

The volunteer recruitment drive highlights the ongoing need for community engagement in supporting healthcare-adjacent services. For families traveling to Dallas for medical treatment, the Ronald McDonald House provides stability during uncertain times, and events like The Trains at NorthPark ensure these services remain available. The combination of volunteer participation and corporate sponsorship demonstrates how community partnerships can sustain essential social services beyond direct healthcare provision.