July 12th, 2024
After learning about the opportunity to volunteer at RMHC Eastern WI from one of my friends and witnessing the passion she had for the House, I knew I had to be a part of this community. I am so lucky that she opened my eyes to this beautiful place! I have now been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House since January of 2023. I am blessed for the opportunity to serve at the House and meet so many amazing people. I have found genuine connection and happiness through meeting guest families and the dedicated staff and volunteers, and I leave every shift feeling fulfilled and with a smile on my face—this place brings me so much joy!
As a Hospitality Volunteer, my role is to make up rooms, clean the kitchens, restock snacks and other items around the House, making sure that guest families have everything they need. I also get to bring families down to the Magic Room where the child can pick out a toy and a book. I love seeing how the Magic Room can brighten their day and I am always overwhelmed by the generosity of those who donate toys to the Magic Room in order to bring a little more joy to families during tough times. I have been able to form relationships with the other volunteers on my shift, cherishing every moment I get to spend with them. I also enjoy working with the Family Services team, who are absolutely amazing and cater to the individual needs of every family. I believe that the tangible happiness you feel when you walk into the House is because of the dedication that all the staff and volunteers have for the mission of RMHC!
This past summer, I joined the Teen Ambassador Program for the chance to collaborate with other juniors and seniors from local high schools who are just as passionate about the mission of RMHC as I am. We get to plan lots of events around the House like holiday parties and bingo nights. Some of my favorite projects this year have been snack making, creating door decorations to hang around the House and making fleece-tie blankets. I also helped organize a hygiene drive with a fellow Teen Ambassador at my school. We collected items like toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, and other hygiene products for the Hospitality bags that are given to each guest family when they check in. The Teen Ambassador Program has allowed me to form connections with lots of amazing and hardworking people from other high schools and I am proud of all the work we accomplished this school year!
The community at RMHC is truly special and I am so grateful to be a part of it. I have felt so supported by everyone here and I love sharing about the mission of RMHC so others may have the chance to experience the love I experience every time I am at the House!
Kate Krueger
