What I do every day...

I have a feeling this may be a long post, but I thought I would explain and share of how I came to the Ronald McDonald House. Grab a cup of coffee (or sweet tea if you wish) and hold on.

About seven years ago I heard an ad on the radio asking for groups or individuals to come and prepare meals for the Ronald McDonald House. I LOVE to cook and especially for other people, so I immediately called and set up a date for me and a couple of my co-workers to come and cook. I really had no idea what they did until I stepped into the door. I was amazed from the moment I walked in the door. The House is for families who have a seriously ill or injured child in the hospital or being treated at local medical facilities. Everything is thought of to provide a home away from home from laundry, TVs, video games, quiet rooms, breast pumps, fully-stocked kitchen. All of which is provided by the community!

After my initial visit, I became a regular house volunteer. I came every Thursday night and folded towels. I would sit down in the living room or kitchen and fold and talk to families who would tell me about their children. It was the highlight of my week to come and help but most importantly be there for the families who needed someone to talk to.

Then a position opened up as a weekend manager at the House and I was offered the job. This was a huge commitment because I was already working full time and this would require me to be at the house 8am Saturday to 8am Monday two weekends a month. However, it was a chance to be more active part of what was going on in the house. Little did I know that this extra income would prove invaluable as the company I was working for full time went bankrupt and I ended up leaving and going back to school. After a couple of years of my weekend gig, a position opened up as a night manager. It was perfect for me as I went to school during the day and worked nights and had my weekends back!

After I finished school I really felt I needed to move on and find another job that was perhaps using my degree more efficiently. I never found a permanent position after what seemed like a million applications, interviews, and rejections. Then my boss (who knew I was actively seeking other employment) approached me about a new position that they were creating and if I was interested. I honestly didn’t think that I was qualified, but she assured me that I could learn but they really wanted someone that knew the house and operations well and thought of me. So in August of 2008 I was hired as the permanent full time Business Operations Director. My main responsibilities include maintaining donations, daily family operations, and community outreach. We also have a very small staff, so those duties change and expand every day as needed.

I love what I do and thank God every day for the opportunities he has blessed me with. There were many times that I really wanted to leave because of various selfish reasons, but I am thankful I was patient and hung in there. I wake up every day and can’t wait to get to work to see what the day brings. I get to witness the triumph and tragedies life can bring and can be with families during some of the most trying times of their lives. I see daily the generosity of people all throughout the community. In these tough economic times, we are blessed with those who take the time to give. We know that it is our donors that have the least that give the most because they understand and get it.

Whew….you made it to the end. Thanks for reading! I encourage you to stop by the Ronald McDonald House in your area and see what they do. (there are 350+ worldwide). If you are in Greenville, stop by and I’ll show you around.