September Volunteer of the Month – Dee Case
Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight stand-out volunteers and how they support families. For September, meet Dee Case (pictured left), who has been a welcome face at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s for four years.
- How long have you volunteered with RMHC-CNI?
I became a recurring, individual volunteer in 2018. Prior to taking on that role I volunteered occasionally by participating with coworkers in Cookies from the Heart at the House near Lurie Children’s. - Where/how do you typically volunteer, and what do you usually do?
I’m a Team Volunteer at the House near Lurie Children’s, and I’m also a Hospitality Cart volunteer, supporting the program inside Lurie Children’s Hospital. During my shifts at the House I’m often up and about, helping with a variety of odd jobs. I also stay busy by house refreshing and lending a hand in the kitchen. And, as a cart volunteer I bring the mini Ronald McDonald House on wheels to four of the hospital’s ICU floors.In addition to what I do as an individual volunteer, in the past I’ve organized groups of my colleagues to come to the House to bake treats for families through Cookies from the Heart. - Why did you first start volunteering with RMHC-CNI, and what keeps you coming back?
The organization has been part of my family since I was a child. In fact, my family stayed at the first Ronald McDonald House in Chicago, on Deming Street in Lincoln Park. It was this early experience with the charity that first inspired me to get involved, and the great work keeps me coming back to this day! - What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
My absolute favorite thing is when I have the opportunity to watch kids at the House pick toys from the toy closet. Their eyes light up when they see all the toys they can choose from! And, my most memorable volunteer experiences are around the year-end holidays when we set up the gift workshop and help families select toys for their children. Also, being at the House on Thanksgiving Day is always one of my favorite shifts each year.Another activity I enjoy is giving House tours to Cookies from the Heart and Meals from the Heart groups. They are always so impressed with the space and everything we offer guest families. And, I love being a Hospitality Cart volunteer and bringing the cart to ICU floors for in-hospital families. - If someone was thinking about becoming a volunteer with our organization, what would you tell them about getting involved?
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to give back and do what I can to help families the same way that the House helped my family during difficult times. It’s a very special place for me and I can’t imagine not being part of the RMHC family. I love giving back to the organization however I can – recruiting new volunteers, saving pop tabs and organizing Cookies from the Heart dates.
Thank you Dee for your outstanding commitment to helping families get better together!