February Volunteer of the Month – Deneita Brown

Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight stand-out volunteers and how they support families. For February, meet Deneita Brown, who has made a world of difference to families in the three short months that she’s volunteered.

1. How long have you volunteered with RMHC-CNI?
   I began volunteering in November 2021, so I have now been involved for three months.

2. Where/how do you typically volunteer, and what do you usually do?
   I am a Team Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL. I have a wide variety of responsibilities in this role, so it’s certainly true that no two shifts are alike. Some of the tasks I tackle include: assembling grab-and-go snack bags for parents visiting their children in the hospital, putting together “Welcome Bags” for families checking in to the House, recording and organizing in-kind donations (food, supplies, toys, pop tabs), setting up meals/snacks, storing meal leftovers for residents to enjoy, doing laundry, welcoming guests/families and answering phones at the front desk. There’s certainly always a lot to be done.
3. Why did you first start volunteering with RMHC-CNI, and what keeps you coming back?
   “To whom much is given, much is required,” are words that I live by, and I believe “we are blessed to be a blessing” to others. Volunteering and serving others are passions of mine! For years, I volunteered at my son’s school and at various outreach events with my church. Now that I’m transitioning to life as an empty nester since my son is in college, I wanted to find another way to channel my desire to serve.
4. What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
   One of my favorite volunteer experiences was setting up the “winter wonderland” at the House. It was nice to help relieve families of the stress of holiday shopping by providing toy donations for them to select as gifts for their children.
5. What does it mean to you to donate your time to our organization?
   Volunteering at the House has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had! It is a wonderful feeling to be a part of the RMHC-CNI team, knowing that we provide a place of solace and respite for families while they focus on their child’s healing.
6. If someone was thinking about becoming a volunteer with our organization, what would you tell them about getting involved?
   I would highly recommend becoming an RMHC-CNI volunteer to anyone considering getting involved! Anyone with a caring spirit, friendly smile and willingness to lend a helping hand can become an RMHC-CNI volunteer!

Thank you Deneita for joining our community of volunteers!

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