Thank you for your interest in donating your time and talents to prepare a meal for the families staying at the Fisher House. Coming home to a hot meal after a long day at the hospital can bring a great deal of relief to a family.
See our calendar for available dates!
Download a Word document of this information
GENERAL INFORMATION
Our families come from a variety of backgrounds. The one thing they have in common is a loved one with a serious illness or condition. Many of our families are under a great deal of stress and appreciate coming back to the House after a long day for a home-cooked meal. It is important to understand that family schedules are varied and unpredictable. Families may be unable to return for dinner or brunch, but will be able to enjoy the leftovers.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Our House must be concerned with communicable diseases because we have patients staying here with suppressed immune systems. Common communicable diseases can be life threatening for these individuals. If you are sick or have the possibility of being sick please call the Fisher House staff and reschedule to another day.
MEAL TIMES
Meal times are available any day of the week. The recommended time to have dinner ready is 4:00 pm; brunch can be served any time from 9:00 – 2:00.
TYPES OF MEALS
Suggestions for meals are beef, chicken, pork, casseroles, sub sandwiches, homemade soups, and baked potato bar. Also meals with a theme: Italian Night, Mexican Night, Chinese Night, Pizza Night, etc. Ideas for brunch are egg casseroles, pancakes, French toast, fresh fruit, etc. We encourage your creativity, as we tend to have an abundance of spaghetti, lasagna, and taco meals. Think about what you do best, your special dishes, and those for which you receive compliments.
Your menu does not need to meet any dietary restrictions. It should be balanced, though, with vegetables, bread and dessert. The families usually have their own milk, juice, or pop. However, you are welcome to bring beverages.
If your group is on a restricted time schedule, you are welcome to prepare the meal at your home or workplace and deliver to the Fisher House ready to serve.
NUMBER OF FAMILIES
The Fisher House serves 7 families with an average of at least 2 people per room. Since the number of people change day-to-day, it is safe to assume that you will be serving 10 – 14 people. Please understand our families have different, unpredictable schedules subject to frequent changes. They are not always able to make it back in time for brunch or dinner. Leftovers are placed in the refrigerators for families to enjoy when they return from the hospital.
Setting Up, Serving, and Cleaning Up
It is important to include enough time in your schedule to help set up, serve, and clean up. We have all the necessary pans, dishes, silverware, etc. You are welcome to bring paper plates or plastic ware. Our kitchen is equipped with range, microwave, sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
We prefer that your group not exceed 7 people. A smaller group provides you with a better opportunity to interact with our families. A larger group tends to overwhelm our families and discourage interaction.
All left over’s must be placed in sealable plastic storage containers labeled with contents and date. If a meal is brought and dropped off, the food must be in sealed plastic storage containers, labeled with contents and date.
Parking
Please park in the side parking lot or in the back parking lot. You may enter in the back through the kitchen or the front door. If you will be arriving after 4:30 PM or providing a weekend meal, you will need to arrange to gain access to the facility.
Thank you again for your interest in donating your time, effort and talent to cook for our families. Your kindness makes the Fisher House truly “Home Away From Home”. Please contact the Fisher House staff to make arrangements to provide a meal or get additional information. (253)964-9283 ext 10 fhmamc@aol.com
