16 Jul 2018 Volunteer of the Year, Mr. Tom Umstead

While most people his age are enjoying retirement, Tom Umstead is busier than ever — all in the service of others! Seven days a week, Tom devotes his time to Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping securing in-kind and cash contributions, proving direct support to children and their families and advocating for the Charity.

Tom’s calling is making people smile. He has been called amazing, a ray of sunshine, a volunteer legend, and an angel, but prefers to go by “Mr. Tom.” Mr. Tom is beloved by all who come into contact with him. For the past 18 years, he has been collecting and delivering food, flowers, baby supplies and other donations to the Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses twice a week. Since opening our new Family Room last year, Mr. Tom has increased his involvement. He now visits five times a week and serves lunches to families every Saturday and Sunday in the Family Room.

Much more than a delivery man, Mr. Tom is a listening ear, a warm smile and a kind heart. He makes time to get to know our families, reading to and playing with children, following their progress, and helping celebrate important milestones in their recovery. He listens to staff and works hard to fill our needs. It would be impossible to begin to quantify the number of hours Tom has dedicated to us or the thousands of dollars his donations have saved.

Mr. Tom is the embodiment of our mission to nurture the health and well-being of children and families. We are honored to recognize Mr. Tom as our 2018 Volunteer of the Year and proud to celebrate his incredible efforts by naming a room at our House near Egleston in his honor.