My partner and I were introduced to the Ronald McDonald House Charities over the summer. American Family Insurance teamed up with the RMHC of Central Ohio for their One Saturday Event. The One Saturday Event is a day dedicated to supporting local communities and organizations. The Ronald McDonald House is an nonprofit organization that provides a home for families with children receiving treatment at the hospital. Luke and I spent hours making fleece blankets used in welcome baskets offered to new residents. After completing multiple blankets, the employees at the house graciously offered volunteers a tour of the facility. Luke and I were astonished at the vast amenities hidden inside the walls of the Ronald McDonald House. Children could watch a movie in the theater, dress up like superheroes or princesses, or play in the staircase "treehouse." The courageous families and passionate staff inspired Luke and I to create our own project to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Initially, Luke and I decided that a wish-list item drive would greatly benefit the RMHC of Central Indiana. However, after getting feedback from other students in the Service Learning class, Luke and I devised a plan to make fleece blankets and snack packs for on-the-go residents. 5,000 families enter the doors of the Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana every year; therefore, the house is in constant need of items and materials that make a chaotic time less stressful. Our project would offer students at New Palestine High School to earn service hours and make a difference in their community. To begin, we made a proposal document and powerpoint to establish the foundation and long-term goals of our project. Luke and I then presented our proposal to various administrators from the New Palestine school district. The guidance counselors, athletic directors, and principals provided Luke and I with insightful feedback that greatly benefited our RMHC proposal. Mrs. Eastes, the principal of New Palestine Elementary, introduced the idea of expanding our project to the leadership groups at the elementary schools in our district. Luke and I proceeded to work with Mr. Large to complete a grant that will financially support our project. Next, we emailed the head of volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana, Mary Friend. Mary was excited about our project and responded with more information about the snack packs and blankets. Luke emailed Mr. Barton, the Assistant Principal at New Palestine High School, and confirmed the date of our project. Finally, Luke and I designed a rough draft of the flier promoting our proposal. Our next step of the project will begin after we successfully receive grant money from Learningtogive.org.
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Lydia Jones
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