
January Volunteer of the Month – Pip Duinstra
Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight stand-out volunteers and how they support families. For January, we spoke with Pip Duinstra!
How long have you volunteered with us?
I’ve been volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana for over two years now, since October 2022. I aim to come in on most Tuesdays.
Where/how do you typically volunteer (House, event, committee, other?) and what do you usually do?
I volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House® near Lurie Children’s on the second floor, where the toys are stored. I love organizing the toys to ensure everything is accessible and easy to find. I also enjoy helping set up the Holiday Workshop and assisting with gift wrapping. It’s truly heartwarming to see how grateful parents are, especially when they can celebrate Christmas and other holidays with gifts for their children, without the added stress of shopping—often something they just don’t have the time or energy for.
Why did you first start volunteering with RMHC-CNI, and what keeps you coming back?
My family and I stayed at a Ronald McDonald House in the Netherlands during a difficult time. My youngest son had significant medical needs, which made typical vacations impossible for us, something that RMHC gave back to us in a way. Ronald McDonald Houses are typically located near hospitals, but there are also a couple located near rehab centers where families can spend time away for a bit of rest. We stayed twice at the RMHC house, and it made a huge difference for our family. Volunteering at RMHC-CNI is my way of giving back to an organization that made it possible for us to create lasting memories during a challenging time.
What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
One of my favorite memories is when I first started organizing the toy section. It was a big task, but it was incredibly satisfying to see it come together. This year, we received many generous toy donations, and I’m excited to start reorganizing the space once again. My goal is to ensure that the children and families have access to a variety of toys, allowing them to create joyful moments together during some of their toughest times, just like my family was able to do.
What does it mean to you to donate your time to our organization?
It means a lot to me because it’s my way of giving back to the organization that gave my family and me a safe, supportive environment during a very difficult time. Volunteering here allows me to contribute to the same experience for other families in need, and that’s something I will always deeply value.
If someone was thinking about becoming a volunteer with our organization, what would you tell them about getting involved?
I would tell them how important it is to be able to be with your sick child and that staying at a warm and safe place so close to the hospital means the world to families and makes a huge difference. I know because I have been there. I would also add that by becoming a volunteer they are a huge part of what makes that warm and safe place possible to begin with.