November 2016 – THE GIFT OF GIVING BACK AT ANY AGE
When my girls were younger, I struggled to find volunteer opportunities that our entire family could participate in together. Many organizations have age restrictions; but, not Ronald McDonald House; and now there is a location right in the west suburbs near Central DuPage Hospital allowing any age to volunteer so long as a parent is present.
My girls and their friends have gravitated toward volunteering over the years. They find so much joy in the gift of giving back. We recently volunteered for the Meals from the Heart program and prepared lunch for about 20 people that were staying at the house.
Like many homes, the kitchen is the heart of the Ronald McDonald Houses, and after a long day at the hospital, many families are in need of a home-cooked meal. Meals from the Heart volunteers work as a group to plan the menu; purchase the ingredients; and prepare the meal in the full service kitchens, allowing families to find nourishment and comfort in a shared meal.
Our group of teenage girls filled the space with laughter while they chopped and prepped a Taco Bar complete with dessert and drinks, and served the patients and their families. The entire group enjoyed themselves so much they all want to come back! Lucky for us, there are so many opportunities; such as, serving as Family Ambassadors, Green Thumb Volunteers, House Refreshers, Home Improvement Volunteers, Meals from the Heart, Special Event Volunteers, and Family Program Volunteers.
Since the Family Program Volunteers provide special activities at the House such as baking, arts and crafts, yoga, massage, and much more, the girls were busy making plans for their next adventure – what kind of cookies to make, how about a hot chocolate bar; what about a drive-in movie theater with cardboard boxes; etc… the energy was high and the girls cannot wait to come back - to give the best gift of all this season – the gift of giving back! - Kristen Kucharski
OVERVIEW
Ronald McDonald House provides a ‘home away from home’ to keep families together while their child is in the hospital. They allow families to eat, sleep and find the emotional support they need - just blocks from where their child is being treated.
Ronald McDonald House At Central DuPage Hospital
0N150 Winfield Road
Winfield, IL 60190
(630) 517-8678
Price $: The cost of the meal/activity you are providing
