For the past four and a half years, I have spend almost every Friday volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Orange County. If I were to estimate how many hours put together I have volunteered, I would say over 600--maybe more.
This organization is very close to my heart. My dad went to the Ronald McDonald Houses in Boston and Alabama with only $20 in his pocket, and they let him stay there for $5 a night. He compensated for the lack of money by helping clean around the house. The Ronald McDonald House has been nothing but a blessing for my family.
This organization is very close to my heart. My dad went to the Ronald McDonald Houses in Boston and Alabama with only $20 in his pocket, and they let him stay there for $5 a night. He compensated for the lack of money by helping clean around the house. The Ronald McDonald House has been nothing but a blessing for my family.
Since I have volunteered so long at the OCRMH, I have developed special relationships with the staff there. I asked at the Director of Operations, Noel Burcelis, if he would write his personal experience being at the Ronald McDonald House. He followed up with a heartwarming email:
Dear Anna,
If I had to summarize my experience here at Orange County Ronald McDonald House in one word it would have to be; inspiring. I have been inspired first and foremost by the families that walk through our door. Day after day, I am privileged to witness the resiliency of human nature. Caregivers repeatedly demonstrate strength during their time of adversity. They live life full of hope. Hope for a cure, hope for healing, and hope that it will all work out in the end.
I am inspired by the volunteers, thousands who quietly work behind the scenes preparing meals, serving on our board, writing thank you notes, cleaning the house and yard, answering phones, staffing the family rooms, working special events and the list goes on. Each and everyone of them doing this because "helping others in need" is simply the right thing to do.
I am inspired by the staff who, day in and day out, choose to diligently carry out the mission of our organization providing care, comfort, and support to families. Staff members who endure the reality of this work environment; celebrating the joy of discharge, and mourning the loss of a little loved one.
Lastly, I am inspired by the children, who provide us adults with care, comfort and support by their wide smiles, playful spirits and joyful hearts. Reminding us to value the gift of life: to Live, Love and Laugh.
Noel Burcelis
Director of Operations
[email protected]
Dear Anna,
If I had to summarize my experience here at Orange County Ronald McDonald House in one word it would have to be; inspiring. I have been inspired first and foremost by the families that walk through our door. Day after day, I am privileged to witness the resiliency of human nature. Caregivers repeatedly demonstrate strength during their time of adversity. They live life full of hope. Hope for a cure, hope for healing, and hope that it will all work out in the end.
I am inspired by the volunteers, thousands who quietly work behind the scenes preparing meals, serving on our board, writing thank you notes, cleaning the house and yard, answering phones, staffing the family rooms, working special events and the list goes on. Each and everyone of them doing this because "helping others in need" is simply the right thing to do.
I am inspired by the staff who, day in and day out, choose to diligently carry out the mission of our organization providing care, comfort, and support to families. Staff members who endure the reality of this work environment; celebrating the joy of discharge, and mourning the loss of a little loved one.
Lastly, I am inspired by the children, who provide us adults with care, comfort and support by their wide smiles, playful spirits and joyful hearts. Reminding us to value the gift of life: to Live, Love and Laugh.
Noel Burcelis
Director of Operations
[email protected]