August Volunteer of the Month – Jenny Shilgalis
Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight a stand-out volunteer (or two) and how they support families. For August, meet Jenny Shilgalis, who always makes families staying at our Ronald McDonald Family Room feel welcome and comfortable.
- How long have you volunteered with RMHC-CNI?
I have been a volunteer since 2015, so going on six years. - Where/how do you usually volunteer, and what do you typically do?
I spend the majority of my time as an individual volunteer at the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Edward Hospital, located in Naperville, IL. As a Family Room volunteer, I typically run the front desk, manage food pickup and meal donations, keep the toys and playroom clean, put away fresh laundry, and prep the sleep rooms for future occupants. I really enjoy arranging the food in the pantry and fridge to make sure we are always offering fresh food to families.I’m also excited whenever I can help with tasks outside of the “normal” volunteer responsibilities for Family Room volunteers. For example, I recently helped the Edward Hospital administration hand out COVID-19 vaccine stickers to all hospital employees, and, in years past, I helped to organize the Family Room’s participation in the Naperville Labor Day parade. - What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
My favorite memories are making connections with families that spend time in the Family Room. I enjoy hearing their stories, and often just listening to how their kiddos are doing. It’s nice to know that the Family Room provides a place of comfort and relaxation during their times of need. - What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment as a volunteer?
Volunteering gives me great satisfaction and purpose by helping others facing real challenges. Whenever I can provide a home-like atmosphere to a family so they can relax, rest, and decompress from the pressure of attending to their sick children, then I feel a real sense of accomplishment. - What does it mean to you to donate your time to RMHC-CNI?
It is truly meaningful for me to be involved with the Family Room inside Edward Hospital because I’ve made such great connections with fellow volunteers and guest families. I have been blessed with healthy children and I want to bring comfort to parents and families during their stays in the Family Room. - If someone was thinking about becoming a volunteer with our organization, what would you tell them about what they can expect if/when they get involved?
Volunteering with RMHC-CNI is a great way to donate your time and make a difference in the lives of families. It is truly a rewarding and fulfilling way to help others.
Thank you Jenny for your outstanding commitment to helping families get better together!