Volunteer Spotlight
Inspired by fellow volunteers
When Janet Richman retired after 35 years with the School District of Philadelphia, she was certain that the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House would be the perfect place for her to spend some of her free time. “I decided that it would be a great place to do some volunteering because the Front & Erie house was just opening,” Janet recalls.
Janet first learned of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House when her daughter was born prematurely at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “My daughter was at CHOP for 6 weeks and that’s where I first heard about the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House because it was somehow associated with the hospital,” she says. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House operates two Family rooms in The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one on the oncology floor and on the cardiac floor. The family rooms offer a respite space for families who spend hours at their child’s bedside and it is often that local families learn about the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House through this particular program.
When asked what responsibilities she has as a volunteer at the House, Janet responded enthusiastically with: “Everything!” Janet volunteers every Tuesday and some of her responsibilities throughout the day include checking guests in, answering the phone, and driving families to and from the hospital. Janet is always willing to help, “Whatever the House needs done,” she says eagerly. Janet even cooked the first Thanksgiving feast at the Front & Erie House with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law. “I feel really good about what I do there. I know it’s a wonderful opportunity for families to have a comfortable and safe place to stay,” Janet says of her volunteer experience at the House.
Since the very first day at the House, Janet has been inspired by her fellow volunteers. “The house couldn’t get along without its volunteers. It’s a very compassionate and caring group of people.” When asked how long she plans on volunteering Janet responded, “I will be there until I can’t make it anymore… Until my body shuts down!”
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