By Ed Krause, a 19 year volunteer Craftsman
The title “Craftsmen” represents one of the many volunteer opportunities at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (RMHC). This group of volunteers performs various functions to support the facility.
What Do We Do?
Our Craftsmen team handles just about anything a homeowner might do in and around their own home, but on a much larger scale. Imagine a house with over 200 bedrooms, 200 bathrooms, a significantly larger kitchen, and many specialty rooms. With a house this size, there’s always something that needs attention!
Maintain and Fix
When families check in, RMHC ensures they have fully functional rooms. They already have enough on their plates, so household problems are the last thing they need to worry about. Our Craftsmen team performs preventive maintenance to ensure everything is in working order. From unclogging slow-running sinks to fixing minor issues, our volunteers tackle these tasks because these families need us, and it feels good to help.
Replace or Install
Sometimes, a quick fix isn’t enough. Whether it’s replacing a malfunctioning air conditioner or heater, we handle it all. We work around the residents’ schedules, prioritizing their needs. It’s rewarding to know we’re making their stay more comfortable.
For one of our projects, we installed new batteries in the locks of all 200+ resident rooms. We don’t want anyone locked out at 2 AM after a long day at the hospital. Knowing we’ve prevented this feels great.
Garden and Outdoor Work
Outdoor work is inevitable, and while some tasks are handled professionally, others fall to the Craftsmen. Gardening, both floral and vegetable, is a major function. Guided by a master gardener volunteer, our team constructed a gourd tunnel that becomes a stunning sight in the fall. Flowers create a relaxing environment for residents and can be harvested to brighten the indoors. The vegetable garden directly supports meal needs for residents, making outdoor work both rewarding and beneficial.
Our Team
Many hands make light work. Included in this blog is a picture of some team members who typically volunteer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Included are a few staff members, along with other volunteers. We have members who volunteer on other days as well. We believe in the RMHC cause, enjoy working together, and love sharing a good cup of coffee. Join us—you won’t regret it.