When someone comes through the doors of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Northwest Ohio, often, the first thing they see is a friendly and smiling face. Carole Petersen is a RMHC of NW Ohio volunteer who began volunteering in July 2022.
Carole had a long career in HR, and upon retirement, she knew she wanted to give back, specifically to an organization that benefits children and families. She knew about RMHC and its services, as her older sister used Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
There are several different ways volunteers can support RMHC of NW Ohio. Volunteers can work as House refreshers, lobby attendants, make meals for families at RMHC, and work special events.
As a volunteer, Carole is willing to do anything asked of her! Tasks she performs include preparing meals, doing laundry, organizing, cleaning, and her main focus being a lobby attendant. At the front desk, Carole is a welcoming face to anyone walking through the doors of RMHC of NW Ohio.
Before coming to Toledo, Carole volunteered in Milwaukee for some time at a shelter for mothers and children, where she learned that the best thing you can do is listen.
“My favorite part about volunteering is listening to families,” Carole explains. “Smiling and encouragement go a long way. Many are far away from family and friends. It feels good to get a smile out of someone walking through the door.”
Why does Carole volunteer? “I have a soft spot for children. My life is blessed. I look around and see situations and struggles. If there is just a little bit I can do to help, I want to do it,” Carole says.
Shelby Feeney, a Family Services Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio, appreciates Carole volunteering at RMHC. “Carole is the best! It’s nice to have a volunteer like Carole who will go out of her way to talk and listen to a family. She can read the room and be approachable to people in their time of need,” says Shelby.
Volunteers are crucial to the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio. If you are interested in volunteering individually or as a group, please get in touch with Wendy Bejaige at wendy@rmhctoledo.org or call 419-471-HOME (4663).