A volunteer who works at the Ronald McDonald House usually comes with a story. When asked why are you here, common responses are “My family member had a child who needed services at Children’s or my neighbor’s child was at the Hospital”, so the parents/family stayed at the House. Many companies recommend work here as a service project. Worthington Industries employees make quilts as a group and employees volunteer at the House. I was no different.
My son Mark was born with a Patent Ductus Arteriosus or PDA. He was treated at Children’s and was a lucky survivor. At 41, he thrives today leading a normal life. I remember sobbing watching him play soccer at the age of 5. He led the team in bumblebee fashion down the field. He was healthy, happy and physically active. I knew, one day, I would give back.
A few years later, I was walking to get my Sunday paper from the driveway and noticed my neighbor doing the same. She came over to me and said something that would change my life. “I have a great opportunity for you.” My response in my head was “OK, here we go.” She had just been named volunteer coordinator at RMHC and was looking for volunteers. And in 2005, that is how my story began. I volunteered at the first house just as moving day had come. I helped setup the new house on the west side of the Hospital.
The House was the perfect size. The volunteers knew all the families and the staff. I truly walked into a home each time I arrived. But the need for services as well as the new availability of services at the Hospital, spurred the Ronald McDonald House growth to what it is today. Volunteers laugh. Just as we get used to procedures and routines, we usually hear “We’re expanding!”
I continue to prioritize service at the House for 2 reasons – the families we serve and the people with whom I serve.
I have the same core group of volunteers including Curly Lawler, Tim Keller and Michelle Sotz that I began working with so many years ago. On the cold winter evenings when it is really hard to head downtown in the dark, I think of the families in need and the wonderful volunteers I share the mission with including the staff at RMHC. I know these folks are counting on me. RMHC staff such as Meika and Pamela have always been so supportive of volunteers.
People always ask what I do at the House. I tell them I do the job of the hotel maid who pushes the cart and cleans the rooms. I’m also pretty good at folding laundry for hours. These are not the most glamorous jobs, but they provide a humble way to serve… and I like that. When I walk to my car each night with my friends, I know there will be families who will find a comforting place to stay tomorrow.
Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your volunteer story with us in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. We appreciate you and all our volunteers who help living out our mission of Keeping Families Close®.
