Activity Hour at the Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore

     This is a re-post from my other blog, The Towson University Urban Farm. Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house was a rewarding experience, as most volunteering opportunities usually are. I hope you like the post and I hope you feel inspired to help those who are experiencing trying times. I hope you also appreciate your good health (both physically and emotionally). Don't take it for granted. It could be here today and literally gone tomorrow. Lastly, I hope you use your time wisely. Is today the day you are going to write about in your memoir? Cliche, I know. But, think about it.

     The Towson University Urban Farm isn’t all about growing vegetables. One of our main purposes is community service and this last Friday we spent some time with the kids at the local Ronald McDonald house. The Ronald McDonald House Charity provides access to health care for children and their families. They also provide housing for families who are seeking medical care away from home. The charity largely operates on donations and from the hard work of volunteers.

     Every evening groups of volunteers cook meals for the families residing at the Ronald McDonald house and then afterward there is an activity hour. Members of the Towson University Urban Farm volunteered to orchestrate Friday’s activity hour and provide a few hours of fun activities. The main project of the night was painting flower pots and planting sunflowers for the children to keep or to give as gifts. We also made flowers using colorful sheets of paper and pipe cleaners as stems.

     The activities went over very well but it was also evident that the children and families currently staying at the Ronald McDonald house appreciated having someone to talk to. At times the best gift one can give is a listening ear. If you would like to learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charity or volunteer in your area please visit the Ronald McDonald House Charity Website.