March Volunteer of the Month – John Kennedy
Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight a stand-out volunteer (or two) and how they support families. For March, meet John Kennedy, whose handy skills around the House make him an invaluable part of our volunteer team.
- How long have you volunteered with us?
I began volunteering in November 2018. - Where do you usually volunteer, and what do you typically do?
I volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House near Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. In addition to the list of ‘typical’ volunteer duties we have, I also help out with any small maintenance projects that come up around the House. It’s nice to be able to put my handyman skills to good use while I volunteer! - Why did you first start volunteering with RMHC-CNI, and what keeps you coming back?
I first got involved when I retired because I suddenly had more time to volunteer. I was already familiar with the House at the time, so I headed to the RMHC-CNI website and filled out the volunteer application! Now, more than two years later, I keep coming back because I feel like I’m helping the families at the House have one less thing to worry about. Plus, I enjoy working with the other volunteers and staff – they are all great people. - What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
I always have a positive experience when I’m at the House. The families I meet are so appreciative of the volunteers and the time we spend giving back. My work at the House is very meaningful to me, and I leave the House after each volunteer shift feeling like it was time well spent. - What does it mean to you to donate your time to RMHC-CNI?
I know I am helping families that are going through some very difficult times. The House provides them with a little bit of normalcy, and I’m sure that’s such a help.Ashley Allard, House manager at RMH near CDH, added, “John goes out of his way to help with anything that we need around the House. He’s our handyman, and he even goes so far as to purchase the tools or items he needs to complete our fix-it projects. We always have a running task list of things for John to tackle when he’s at the House, and it’s not uncommon to hear our staff ask, ‘When is John coming back?!’
“John’s best quality is his positivity – he does everything with a smile. There is no task too big or small for him, and he does not give up on a job until it is done right! We are so lucky to have John as part of our team of volunteers.”
Thank you John for your continued dedication and commitment to helping families get better together!