By Rosemary Loza, farthest left in photo
At the top of my list when I retired was volunteering at a Ronald McDonald House. My grandson was born with esophageal atresia. The support provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities in both Minneapolis and St. Petersburg over the 3-year period after his birth was amazing. I wanted to give back.
When we visited our family in Minneapolis, we learned our daughter and son-in-law received meals while their son was in the NICU and later when he was hospitalized. In Florida, the Ronald McDonald House where they stayed was attached to the hospital. Again, meals were provided. I never knew any of this existed.
When I signed up to volunteer at my local Ronald McDonald House here in Columbus, I thought I would only be one of the people who helped make and serve those meals. Instead, I soon found myself as a Go Getter, and I couldn’t be happier. We renew rooms, lead tours of volunteers from businesses, and just do whatever needs to be done.
I never expected to be building furniture and setting up the rooms in the new wing. The support of the Columbus community to RMHC amazes me. On top of that, the staff welcomes us with smiles each week.
My time at the House flies. No matter what the task, it is a joy. I’ve also met some amazing volunteers who have become friends on my Thursday morning shift. RMHC is a very special place. It makes me feel I can give back to support the families as they cope with their challenges. I really look forward to going there each week.
Thank you, Rosemary, for sharing your volunteer story with us in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. We appreciate you and all our volunteers who help live out our mission of Keeping Families Close®.