February Volunteers of the Month – Dynamic Duos
Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight stand-out volunteers and how they support families. For February, we spoke with some of our “Dynamic Duos” – volunteers who are making a difference together.
Sandy & Joe Bard –
Where/how do you both typically volunteer (House, event, committee, other?) and what do you usually do?
Every Friday, Joe is the handyman of the house. He’s the “MacGyver” who can fix just about anything—lights, doors, sinks, microwaves, you name it. As for me, I help by making coffee, checking supplies in the kitchen, ensuring the food is fresh and not expired, doing laundry, and just about anything else that needs attention. We’ve been volunteering for 14 years.
Why did you both start volunteering with RMHC-CNI and what keeps you coming back?
Joe worked for McDonald’s Corporation in Oak Brook, and we knew they were going to build a Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn. It felt like a natural fit, and the mission resonated with us. What keeps us coming back is seeing the impact of the work we do and knowing we’re part of a community that makes a difference.
What does it mean to you to donate your time to our organization?
Volunteering here is very rewarding. We know it’s a great charity, and without the volunteers and fundraising, the impact wouldn’t be possible. We’ve always believed in giving back, especially when our children were younger. We’ve even had the chance to meet families we knew from the past, which was a powerful reminder of why we do this.
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Suzanna & David Dulin –
Where/how do you typically volunteer, and what do you usually do?
I began as a team volunteer at Lurie, sometimes working at the front desk and other times refreshing the general areas on each floor. I’ve since transitioned to a meal helper role at Lurie. At the front desk, I answered the phone, assisted staff and guests with retrieving items from storerooms or the front desk, and organized snacks and other supplies. I’ve also checked in on the laundry room, kitchen, and lounge areas on each guest floor. As a meal helper, I assist the chefs in the kitchen with a variety of tasks. David has always been a meal helper at Lurie, helping the chefs with creating, delivering, and cleaning up meals.
What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
One of my favorite memories was when I walked through the lobby and saw dozens of flower arrangements in boxes lining the hallway. When I checked in, I was asked to distribute the flowers throughout the house. Little did anyone know I had been a florist for decades! I had a great time repurposing and delivering the flowers to each floor.
One of David’s favorite memories was when we both volunteered as meal helpers at Lurie on Thanksgiving Day. It was wonderful knowing we were helping make that special day a little brighter for the guests. It was a fun and rewarding experience working together on such a busy day.
What does it mean to you to donate your time to our organization?
Donating our time to RMHC has been incredibly rewarding. The kindness and compassion that RMHC practices reflect who they are as an organization, and we are so proud to be a part of their family. Our experiences volunteering continue to help us grow and learn in new ways. We would highly recommend it to anyone considering getting involved. It’s truly an experience that makes a difference.
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Herb Nelson & Fran Gordon –
Where/how do you both typically volunteer (House, event, committee, other?), and what do you usually do?
We volunteer at the Comer House. We handle a variety of repairs—from fixing vacuum cleaners and faucets to lighting fixtures and exit signs. We go into empty rooms, check everything, and fix anything that needs attention. If there’s a mystery fix, we’re the team to call!
What are each of your favorite memories or experiences from volunteering?
Our best memories come from interacting with the parents and families staying at the House. Hearing their stories and seeing how they’re coping while caring for their children is truly moving.
If someone was thinking about becoming a volunteer with RMHC-CNI, what would you tell them about getting involved?
We’d encourage them to visit the House to see firsthand how it truly supports families. RMHC is an incredible organization, and many of the families staying there would be completely lost without it. It’s important to give back and support these families in their time of need.