When Natalie Moncaleno was a teenager, she stayed at three different Ronald McDonald Houses while recovering from multiple back surgeries. Now, as a college student at Bowling Green State University, Natalie is giving back to the very organization that supported her and her family during their toughest moments.
Natalie is originally from north of Detroit, Michigan, and is currently a freshman at BGSU in the aviation program with dreams of becoming a pilot. After staying at RMHC in New Jersey (2020) and New York (2021, 2023), Natalie’s experience came full circle last fall when she started volunteering with RMHC Northwest Ohio.
It all began as part of a class service project. “I had such an amazing experience as a guest that I knew right away I wanted to volunteer here,” she shared. What started as a one-time group visit—making a meal and helping clean the House—quickly turned into a weekly commitment.
Natalie now helps sanitize the kitchen, dining room, and living room; sweeps and vacuums common spaces; restocks the pantry and linens; and even draws cheerful messages on the chalkboard to welcome families. “Whatever help is needed, I’m happy to do it,” she said.
She remembers one particularly special moment during her shift: volunteering on the anniversary of her spine surgery. “I’ll never forget that. I used to be the one in the House, worried about the hospital. Now I’m here, helping make someone else’s day a little brighter.”
While her time is often spent quietly supporting behind the scenes, Natalie still feels deeply connected to the families. “Even small things—like opening a door or making a meal—can completely change someone’s day when they’re going through something difficult,” she explained. “I know firsthand how meaningful that can be.”
Volunteering isn’t always easy to fit into her packed schedule—especially with classes, flight training back home in Michigan, and commuting 30 minutes to Toledo. But Natalie is committed. “It makes for a long day, but I wouldn’t give it up. I’ll always make time for RMHC.”
She describes the RMHC Northwest Ohio culture as one of warmth and kindness. “Everyone here—staff and volunteers—is so friendly and caring. It’s more than a place to stay. Families are going through the hardest moments of their lives, and RMHC helps make things a little easier.”
If she had to sum up her experience in one word, Natalie wouldn’t hesitate: Rewarding. “It’s such a full-circle moment for me. I’ll never forget the first day I stayed at the House in New Jersey. A local Girl Scout troop made tacos and crafts for us. I was scared about my surgery the next day, but they made me feel like I belonged. Now I’m trying to do the same for other families.”
As for encouraging others to get involved, Natalie says, “You don’t have to volunteer every week. You could donate or even host a craft night. Even the smallest gestures can mean the world to someone staying at the House.”