Our Housewarmers are the ‘heart’ of our House. These volunteers greet families and familiarize them with the House; receive visitors and donors to the House; restock and finish the cleaning of rooms; laundry, re-stock supplies; kitchen restocking/cleaning after meal groups, front desk coverage, assist with special project events.
But here’s how once such volunteer, Erin Kelty, describes her role:
“Have you ever spent a day (or more) on the road or in a plane, lugging heavy bags and possibly a few cranky kids, navigating through an unfamiliar city, before finally arriving, exhausted, at your destination? You check into your hotel, enter your room, sink onto the bed, and feel that sense of, “Ahhh, we made it.” Or maybe you’ve had the opposite reaction on opening the door, a feeling of “Well, I guess we’ll make it work…” as you look around at your accommodations. As a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, I get to help make sure that every family that walks through our door receives a feeling of relief and welcome. Because our families aren’t here on vacation. They’re far from home, seeking treatment for their ill children, and they deserve the best experience possible while they’re here.”
She adds, “Volunteers and staff at RMHC work together to make sure our families have clean, pleasant rooms, nutritious meals and snacks, places to gather and play, and a warm smile at every turn. Knowing that my efforts help provide comfort and relief to the families here makes volunteering very rewarding.”
Erin volunteers as a Housewarmer three days a week. She has more than 280 hours of service since she started volunteering 7 months ago. She trains new volunteers, represents RMHC at offsite events, leads volunteer groups and always has a positive attitude.