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When our first son was born sick and we spent lots of time at Texas Children’s Hospital, we knew that one day we’d want to find ways to give back to the medical community that so well supported us. Fast forward three years, and we moved to Houston and both Ben and I immediately jumped in with volunteering at the hospital on a weekly basis for a couple of years. Although adding two more kids to our family has slowed down our volunteering, we still love to when we can.
I love, especially, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. On several occasions, I’ve been part of a team that provides a meal and some conversation for the families who are stuck away from home with a sick or injured child. As our family knows from experience, these can be some dark days and anything that brings a sense of normalcy can be so refreshing.
photo courtesy of RMH
Volunteering also provides great benefits to the volunteer! I recently read an article in Healthy Living Made Simple Magazine that people who volunteer have been shown to have lower stress levels and lower rates of depression.
I know that when I volunteer, it gets my mind off my petty problems and gives me a greater sense of empathy for those around me who are suffering in real ways. The Healthy Living Made Simple Magazine is a great resource for all kinds of tips to make better choices. If you have an iPhone or iPad, you also can download the free #Healthy Living app here.
Places like Ronald McDonald Houses go through supplies so quickly and can always use donations. (Click here for a Wish List for the Houston RMH). Last week, I stopped in at Sam’s Club to pick up some items for the RMH and for less than $40, was able to get all this:
I was able to go to the RMH and drop off the goodies and chat with a few staff members, and I also met a precious little girl named Lindsey that is currently staying in the house with her mom.
I’m reminded each time that I go that even though life goes on for the rest of us, there are ALWAYS families with sick kiddos. The holidays are especially a hard time to be away from home.
I’m so thankful I get the chance to volunteer with this amazing organization. Volunteerism really is an unexpected gift!
About Kelli Hays
You are the best! And I agree.. volunteering is so important! Its great to be able to give back when and how you can!
What a great thing to do! Giving back is so rewarding! You got a good deal on all the things you donated from Sam’s Club! #client
You are an inspiration. I strongly feel the urge to volunteer, but often I think I don’t have the time, there’s nothing I can do. But there is! It doesn’t take much to make a difference, and we should all make more time for volunteering.
That is so great that you volunteer. I volunteer when I can and it feels so good inside to do so.
How awesome!! I agree that volunteering is a great way to give back and it is just as good for you at it is for the people you are helping!
We’ve spent way too much time in a Children’s Hospital, too. Thank you for volunteering! It’s an awesome feeling to give back.
Oh I love this. That little girl is too cute. What an amazing thing to do for your community and an organization that makes such a difference.
What a great story, I hope to do something like this soon!
This is a great reminder for what a relatively small amount of money can buy at Sam’s and how much good it can do. I’m going to go pick up some things and donate locally this week. Thank you!
So important to get involved and give back congrats!
This is wonderful! I too have always had a special place in my heart for volunteering and service. It’s such a great feeling and I think I benefit just as much as the recipients do.
Really beautiful post, I loved reading this, especially around the holidays. We should all take time out for things like this and you’ve definitely reminded me of why!
How inspiring!
This is a beautiful post! My sorority’s philanthropy is Ronald McDonald House so we did a lot with them back in school. I need to get more involved again!
Inspiring post! I would like to take time off to volunteer to our local charity.