More than a meal, a volunteer opportunity at Rogers’ Family Room helps feed the soul.
Rogers team members offer so much to the patients we serve every day, but the Meals from the Heart program offers another impactful way to give back. Volunteers can sign up to make a meal that will be made available to visitors of the Ronald McDonald Family Room, located within the Ladish Center.
Jaclyn Peters, digital marketing lead with Rogers, recently made a meal with her team members as part of the program.
“Coming together with my teammates to give back in this special way is such an honor,” Jaclyn says. “I love to cook and bake, so in addition to spending some time with my colleagues, I learn new recipes I can use at home! The most joyful part of the experience for me is knowing that these meals may help a hard day for our patients’ families feel a little softer.”
The Family Room, open seven days a week, 9am to 5 pm, offers a home-like space for visitors who have a loved one in Rogers’ care, with amenities including internet access, entertainment options, a private bathroom and shower, a laundry facility, a quiet room, and complimentary snacks and beverages. Making meals available can add another layer.
“A lot of times, families will come after a long day of their kids being in treatment, and they aren’t sure what to do or where to go, so they come here to the Family Room,” says Andrew Finch with Ronald McDonald House Charities, manager of the Family Room. “Without having to worry about finding food on top of all of the other stresses, it’s really nice when visitors are able to just open that refrigerator and see that there is a meal for them ready to go.”
Meals from the Heart volunteers can choose from many recipes, from lasagna to soups to casseroles, and then bring the ingredients and cook in the Family Room’s kitchen, which has supplies such as pots, pans, and spices available.
“This program is really impactful,” Andrew says. “It really makes a difference for families just knowing that people care about them while they’re going through this difficult time. The whole Family Room is a place for them to feel that way, but even an extra special layer on top of that is when you see a Rogers group volunteering and making food. Them giving back in a different way is a unique, impactful part of the program.”
Andrew invites Rogers employees to participate in the Meals from the Heart program any day of the week. Thursdays or Fridays can be extra helpful, because the Family Room sees more visitors over the weekends. For example, Andrew says on Sundays they have been seeing more than 70 people.
“It’s a great team bonding experience to pick the food and come make a meal in a really nice environment,,” Andrew says. “It’s fun and it feels good to give back, and families are so grateful for what we have to offer.”
For more details and to participate in the program, you can reach out to Andrew at afinch@rmhc-easternwi.org.
