Volunteers Star in New Video
Our volunteers may not win any Academy awards, but they will win the hearts of those who watch our new volunteer recruitment video. The video is a powerful tool produced by New Haven based Geomatrix Productions, which generously donated the entire project. Several volunteers were videotaped at the House, explaining what they do and why they enjoy volunteering.
The video captures the vitality of House volunteers and dispels any misconceptions that volunteers require special skills to work with guests. “A recurring theme is that the House is a happy, friendly place,” notes Director of House Operations Janet Hanscom. “The video is the next best thing to an actual visit to the House.”
Like many volunteers, Nancy learned how important a home away from home could be when she stayed at a
Ronald McDonald House. Working full time and raising two young children makes it difficult for Nancy to come
to the House on a regular basis, so she works from home as our website manager.
“I think what I like the most about volunteering is the fact that I’m giving back something that we got when my
son was three,” explains Nancy. “He had been a bone marrow transplant. We stayed at the RMH in Boston and
it was such a phenomenal experience that when we came back to Connecticut, we wanted to somehow give back.”
Nancy sums up the essence of the House: “The Ronald McDonald House is an oasis for families in a difficult time. It’s a great place for families in need, where they can get the love and nurturing that they wouldn’t get in a hotel. It’s a very happy place to be.”
Roseann Ciochetto found that working as a weekend manager fit perfectly with her work schedule. She always makes time to volunteer at Trees of Hope as well.
Roseann sums up weekend volunteering: “We just are good
friends to the families over the weekend.” Roseann adds, “If
you can give a little time to make a difference in the world, you
can make a difference at home right here in New Haven by giving
some special time to the RMH. You’ll get so much more
back in return.”
Director of Development Mike Rohde (left), Patty Miller (center),
and Roseann get ready to greet visitors at last December’s
Trees of Hope.
