Giving Back at the North Philly Ronald McDonald House

Giving back is one of the least appreciated and most overlooked Pillars of Joy. When you give back you remind yourself that you have value and that your presence in the world can change it for the better. No matter how you choose to give back; through your time, money, or through sharing your talent; you are making an impact and helping others to have better more joyful lives. These are all of the reasons why giving back is an essential part of having a joyful life. It helps us to feel valued and gives our lives meaning.

This is why when a friend of mine told me about a a charity opportunity I said yes right away. My friend Kerry (who I mentioned long ago when we went Chasing Joy at a Vineyard) had the opportunity to do some service projects through work. She sent a message out inviting her friends to join her in serving the families of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House located in North Philly.

The Ronald McDonald House’s mission is making children happier and healthier by keeping families close, in an environment that feels like home, to give them a place to rest and refresh. There are two located in Philadelphia one and West Philly and the other is in North Philly. Having grown up in North Philly I was excited that we would be giving back at that location.

The team that Kerry put together included myself, several of her other friends and co-workers, and one of her co-workers teenage sons. I have to say we made a great group. We all worked well together as we completed our service assignment which was to prepare breakfast for the residents. Now I have to admit I took the easy way out and volunteered to bring the bagels and cream cheese. My service teammates volunteered to do the heavy lifting of making muffins, pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage. We provided quite a nice breakfast buffet for the residence.

Overall this was a great experience. Not all volunteer opportunities turn out that way. Remember that time I volunteered for the child advocacy group. That didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. Nevertheless I still felt good for having used my time to help others.

Volunteering at the North Philly Ronald McDonald House was a way better experience. I think that had to do with the friendly and easygoing spirit of the staff members who greeted us that morning and the friendliness of the team that Kerry put together. Everyone really wanted to help and was excited to provide nourishment and comfort food for the residents.

I learned that the Ronald McDonald House often allows service teams to come in and provide meals for the residence. So if you’re looking for a way to give back with your family, church, Girl or Boy Scout group, or with your co-workers I recommend preparing a meal for the North Philly Ronald McDonald House. You will leave feeling valued and accomplished. It’ll give you a sense of Joy knowing that you helped others. Also seeing the cheerful spirit of the kids who are at the Ronald McDonald house because they are sick will remind you that you can be happy even if you’re going through tough times. Overall volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in North Philly was a great experience I hope some of you we’ll give it a try.

If you want more information about the North Philly Ronald McDonald House please click here >> Philly Ronald McDonald Houses <<

To locate a Ronald McDonald House in your area please check out this link>> Ronald McDonald House Near Me<<

If volunteering is not something that you can fit into your schedule right now please consider sending a few of your coins their way. Every little bit helps. Using your money to support a worthwhile cause will definitely make you feel valued and joyful.

There are so many ways to give back to those in our community and to the world in general. If volunteering or donating to the Ronald McDonald house is not something in your plans right now I hope that you will look for other opportunities to give back or at the very least say yes to opportunities when they present themselves. Think of how I I said yes when Kerry sent out her call for volunteers.