Volunteer Spotlight
Cooking Up a Taste of Home at the House
For the past 11 years, families, volunteers, and staff alike have looked forward to Monday lunch at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. From homemade macaroni and cheese to warm blueberry cobbler, dedicated volunteer Delores Tartt has been serving up delicious food designed to bring a bit of home to families staying at the House.
Delores started as a front desk volunteer in 1998, but quickly realized she could bring her culinary talents to the House’s kitchen. “It feels great to do something where you are really appreciated. Everybody raves about my mac and cheese, and my veggies.” Her salmon cakes, tuna salad, and array of homemade desserts are also family favorites.
After serving as a nurse for 27 years, Delores wanted to continue helping others. When her husband of 49 years – her childhood sweetheart – passed away, she knew it was time to do something. “It was just too unbearable,” she says. “I was bored and lonely.” Living just a few blocks from PRMH made volunteering here an easy choice.
“To me, the House is a very satisfying place to be a part of because you play such a role in helping so many people in desperate need,” she says. “The families are so grateful.” And Delores, a great-grandmother who turned 80 on the Fourth of July, has no plans of slowing down her lunchtime tradition. “I say I used to be a firecracker but I am just a sparkler now,” she says with a laugh. Those who spend each Monday with Delores might just disagree.
Find out more about volunteer opportunities at PRMH.
