June Volunteer of the Month – Lainey Gregory
Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight stand-out volunteers and how they support families. For June, meet Lainey Gregory, who has been involved as a Team Volunteer and College Representative since 2023.
- How long have you volunteered with RMHC-CNI?
I began volunteering with RMHC-CNI in the fall of 2023, and I have loved every minute of it! - Where/how do you typically volunteer, and what do you usually do?
I typically volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House near UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital in Hyde Park. I like to help out at the House by cleaning and organizing big donations. I also like to volunteer at the front desk because I love meeting new people who come to the House, as well as chatting with the amazing staff. I am also a College Representative, so I also like to help out by doing outside projects. My most recent project was a crochet-stuffed animal drive partnered with students at the University of Chicago. Together, we were able to make and donate dozens of stuffed animals to the Ronald McDonald House in Hyde Park! I am also working on a new project that involves making craft baskets for children staying at the House. - Why did you first start volunteering with RMHC-CNI, and what keeps you coming back?
I started volunteering with RMHC-CNI because I was looking for a partner that would accept stuffed animal donations. I had heard lots of great things about RMHC back in my hometown in Texas, so I was eager to donate my time. I keep coming back because there is a huge variety of ways to help out the organization. Everyone involved in the organization is wholeheartedly committed to the mission and such a joy to be around. - What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
My favorite memory volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House near UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital was organizing a dinner with my mom. My mom lives in Texas, but she came all the way to Chicago to help me serve dinner at the House. We were both running around the kitchen working super fast to make sure that dinner made it on the table in time! We made a meal that I personally enjoyed throughout my childhood, and we even had a few people ask for the recipe which made me very happy! It felt really amazing to see people enjoying the food that we had made with lots of love. - What does it mean to you to donate your time to our organization?
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to volunteer with RMHC-CNI. To me, the most important part of donating my time is actively contributing in providing a caring environment for families during challenging times. I also believe that volunteers and staff are an essential part of building community that can be a source of support for families, and I am very happy to be a part of that. - If someone was thinking about becoming a volunteer, what would you tell them about getting involved?
I would absolutely recommend getting started right away. RMHC-CNI makes it super easy to get involved in so many different ways. I especially appreciate the flexibility of the College Representative Program, as it allows for students to get involved on their own time in creative ways!
Thank you, Lainey for your contributions to helping families feel at home!