Whitmer High School students have been making a difference at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio for nearly ten years! The Career Tech program at Whitmer High School has a Job Training class that juniors and seniors can apply for. This class gives students an opportunity to learn job skills, communication skills, and other skills so they can be successful after high school.
Students in the Job Training class volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio twice weekly during the school year. Performing tasks such as cleaning, organizing, decorating, and sometimes cooking!
Bianca Martinez is a senior at Whitmer High School who loves volunteering at RMHC of NW Ohio. “I like volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio because it allows me to try new things, experience Toledo, and help others,” says Bianca. When asked why others should volunteer, Bianca told us that “Everyone should give back and help others because it makes people happy.”
Bianca is not the only one in this class, as other classmates volunteer with her at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio.
Davon Brown is a junior at Whitmer High School who enjoys learning work skills and helping families at RMHC. “The job training and volunteering help me learn work skills. My favorite part about volunteering is my jobs and work, knowing that I am helping others,” says Davon. “It’s nice knowing that the safe and clean environment we help provide supports others in need.”
Bethany Parker, a junior at Whitmer High School, joins Bianca and Davon in the Job Training class. “I like the Job Training class and volunteering because it gives us a chance to get out of the school and give back,” says Bethany. “It feels good to give back and help others. You never know when you may need the help”.
The Job Training students are instructed by their Job Coach, Christine Arvay, who has been with Whitmer High School for 14 years. “For us, we just want our students to be able to gain the skills that will help them later in life while giving back,” says Christine Arvay. “RMHC has been a great friend and partner to Whitmer High School.”
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 contact Wendy Bejaige at wendy@rmhctoledo.org or call 419-471-HOME (4663).