Michael and Sarah doing laundry

14 Sep Volunteers find friendship at ARMHC

Posted at 12:06h in Around the House, Volunteers by

People volunteer for a variety of reasons, but for Michael and Sarah, volunteering at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House has inspired a lifelong friendship. On most Fridays, we find Michael and Sarah performing various household tasks our House near Egleston

Shortly after relocating to Atlanta from St. Louis in 2012, Michael started volunteering at the House near Egleston. He learned about our House and its importance to the families we serve through his employment as the Manager of Payor Contracting at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Michael brings an uplifting attitude and a passion for helping others to his work at our House. He enjoys being a part of an organization that’s dedicated to children and their families.

“I love spending time at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House. It gives me additional opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the lives of the patients and families treated at Children’s,” Michael said.

Sarah began volunteering at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House after her senior year of high school as a VolunTEEN in 2014. One summer of volunteering and Sarah was hooked. Today, she has become a regular House volunteer on Friday nights. Sarah exhibits a level of dedication that is unmatched. Now a junior pre-nursing student at the University of Georgia in Athens, Sarah returns most Fridays to join Michael at our House near Egleston.

“Working with Sarah is so much fun. I look forward to seeing her on Friday and catching up while we stock the pantry, wash towels, or assist families. Sarah and I like to optimize our time by staying busy and going task to task until we achieve our goals. Our specialty is tackling jobs that traditionally people prefer to avoid, especially cleaning refrigerators and washing machines,” Michael said. “My favorite Fridays are those when the house has raffles or prizes to give away to families. This excitement brings smiles to all the faces in the dining room. The moments where families can really come together and cheer for one another are magical.”

Both Michael and Sarah get enjoyment from their time volunteering with us.

“I enjoy volunteering at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House because of all the friendships you get to make. I also love how volunteering gives me the opportunity to give back to my community in a helpful and meaningful way. I always look forward to volunteering with Michael and seeing Ms. Linda on Friday’s. My favorite part of volunteering with Michael is making dinner for the families because we get to know them better and hear their stories,” Sarah said.

Michael and Sarah bring commitment, strength and care to our Atlanta Ronald McDonald House. They embody our belief that we are stronger together. With the love and dedication that volunteers like Michael and Sarah convey to our families, we are able to keep families close at our “home-away-from-home.”