On January 20th and the days leading up, families were greeted with some exceptional warmth and kindness from volunteers. Over the past 30 years, Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been celebrated as a day of service where Americans are called upon to better their communities and give back. In Dr. King’s life and legacy, we reflect on how small acts of kindness and bravery can create lasting and meaningful change.
Collaborating for the Greater Good
The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol as well as the New York City Police Department, brought and their aprons, rolled up their sleeves, and got cooking! Families at RMHC were treated to a delicious brunch complete with bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit, muffins, and sandwiches. The kitchen was buzzing with music and smiles as folks flipped, sauteed, scrambled, and chopped away. Several of the officers shared their personal connection to the Ronald McDonald House, describing their child’s hospitalization and stay. For some, this was a full-circle moment. We are so grateful to our community helpers for giving back to a cause near and dear to their heart.
Monte in the House
Monte is a three-year-old service therapy dog, part of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol team. Monte was instantly loved and became a celebrity in the House! Monte is a lab and was extremely cuddly and sweet, giving kisses and love to the staff, volunteers, children and families at Ronald McDonald House during their visit. Pet therapy is an important part of Ronald McDonald House Charities, and we are lucky to offer it regularly as part of our weekly programming for families.
A Life (and Career) in Service
Members of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s Men’s & Women’s Basketball Teams came by to create care packages and set up an ice cream social. Kids (and grown-ups!) couldn’t get enough. Caramel sauce, sprinkles, chocolate chips, cherries and chocolate galore. It was hard to choose between the chocolate chip cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, rocky road, and the birthday cake flavored ice cream–some got more than one!
Students from the Academy spent the day at Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park, helping to organize our storage room and put away home essentials for the resident families. In all, the Academy students spent hours giving back for MLK Jr. Day and their visit had a lasting impact. We are so grateful to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy for their support and volunteerism.
