As a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, I often have the opportunity to meet many people in need. Parents, sisters, brothers, grandparents of hospitalized children frequently live here for weeks or months while their child/children recieve medical care.
The house continues to operate by the help of volunteers and a several paid people. Temporary residents are from all economic classes and ethnic groups where they live under one roof. Food and supplies have been donated and other necessities are paid for through fundraising funds.
One thing that has always struck me is the fact that very few, who have stayed at the House, have ever volunteered their services after their stay. Do you remember the smiling volunteer who cooked your meals, answered your questions, chatted with you over a cup of coffee, and delivered a message to you? The ones that re-stocked the kitchen supplied paper goods for your rooom, cleaned your room so that it was fresh and welcoming when you arrived? How about helping others who have possibly had similiar medical experiences?
In this day and age, when people are unemployed and have time on their hands-why aren’t they out helping others? Yes, I do believe that President Obama has the right idea with volunteerism and community service. What better way of gaining and developing new skills that can be used in future work places? How about networking with others who possibly know of job leads? Or lastly, how about the wonderful reward, the good feeling of being useful and just helping our neighbors out during a crisis?
Time to offer those helping hands to others in need, become a volunteer, it is truly a wonderful experience!
