March Volunteer of the Month – Sol Navarro
Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight stand-out volunteers and how they support families. For March, meet Sol Navarro, who has been an essential part of our volunteer team at Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s since August 2021, and now also spends her time as a Team Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House inside Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital.
- How long have you volunteered with Ronald McDonald House?
I started volunteering a year and a half ago in August 2021. - Where do you typically volunteer, and what do you usually do?
I started volunteering at Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s, splitting my time between being a Meal Helper and a Team Volunteer. Now, I’ve also started participating as a Team Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House inside Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital, and I volunteer there on a weekly basis. I love working with Chef Kevin as a Meal Helper and have learned so much from him. Aside from Prentice, I will continue to volunteer in the kitchen as time permits. - Why did you first start volunteering with Ronald McDonald House, and what keeps you coming back?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to retire from my accounting/administration position and get involved in something different that would both allow me to feel useful and to help other people. I had previously volunteered preparing tax returns (IRS VITA Program) for seniors and low-income individuals, but in 2021 I was looking for something different to do. I’m so glad that I found RMHC-CNI in my research! - What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
Working in the kitchen at Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s gives me great satisfaction! Seeing how grateful people are to have a free, warm meal when they come back from the hospital is the best experience. I just truly enjoy staying busy while also doing something meaningful for others. - If someone was thinking about becoming a volunteer with our organization, what would you tell them about getting involved?
Without a doubt – get involved! This organization provides such a needed service for families with hospitalized children.
Thank you, Sol for your contributions to helping families feel at home!