June Volunteer of the Month – Dave Davis
Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight stand-out volunteers and how they support families. For June, meet Dave Davis, who has donated his time as a Team Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s since May 2022.
- How long have you volunteered with Ronald McDonald House?
I started volunteering about one year ago in May 2022. - Where do you typically volunteer, and what do you usually do?
I participate as a Team Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s about twice a week. This role includes both working at the front desk and completing House refreshing responsibilities. Additionally, I help train new volunteers during their shadow shifts. Beyond my “typical” Team Volunteer tasks, I’ve also helped the culinary team on occasion, and I assist with transporting meals to the Ronald McDonald House inside Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital. It’s also not uncommon for me to tackle special projects – particularly around the holidays. I even had the opportunity to participate in some longer shifts over the year-end holidays in 2022. In these ways I’m able to provide high-level support for both the staff and families at Ronald McDonald House. - Why did you first start volunteering with Ronald McDonald House, and what keeps you coming back?
I previously volunteered with Almost Home Kids, and during my time there a fellow volunteer recommended Ronald McDonald House as another great opportunity. Now that I’ve been involved for almost a year, I can say that coming back is easy! In fact, I volunteer for seven organizations, and Ronald McDonald House surpasses all in their appreciation for volunteers. It doesn’t matter what staff member you’re interacting with – they always say thank you. I look at my volunteer role as working to make things easier for staff and more comfortable for families. - What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
There are no negative experiences and a plethora of positive ones. Perhaps one of my favorite moments was being the Team Volunteer shift lead over the year-end holidays. During those eight hour shifts I gained an even greater appreciation for how much we do as volunteers, and how much we help the House. The other thing I particularly enjoy is training new volunteers. I appreciate being in their position as the newbies because I was there only a year ago. - What does it mean to you to donate your time to our organization?
Volunteering with Ronald McDonald House is a great use of my time since retiring I truly look forward to each shift, and to being able to assist the staff and guest families. - If someone was thinking about becoming a volunteer with our organization, what would you tell them about getting involved?
Just do it! Even when you’re learning it all in the beginning the staff is always there with a positive attitude to help you along the way. And, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s is great because you get the benefit of working with Abby, the Volunteer Services Manager. I’ve worked with many volunteer coordinators, and Abby excels at what she does.
Thank you, Dave for your contributions to helping families feel at home!