Weekend Volunteers Make Time to Help Others

We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. — Winston Churchill

When most families are planning Saturday night fun, the Kennedys are packing up to spend the night at the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut. Elisabeth, John, and four-year-old Emma are just one of many families who are Weekend Volunteers at the House.

“We wanted something that would involve our whole family and reflect the values we hold,” Elisabeth told us. “We wanted to show—with our actions—what we believe. Emma will see that busy people find time to make commitments.”

Elisabeth learned about the House in 2001, when one of her student advisees from the International Center for Yale Students and Scholars had to be hospitalized and lapsed into a coma.

While the young man was hospitalized, his father arrived from the U.K. and struggled with fear and loneliness during the long days and nights of his bedside vigil. When Elisabeth learned that he was walking long distances from the hospital to an apartment in New Haven, she thought of the Ronald McDonald House.

When he arrived at the House, he was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. “Some families need privacy, others need to be embraced,” offered Elisabeth. “He was one who needed other people around him and benefited from becoming part of an extended family of guests, staff, and volunteers. The House kept that man alive.” Elisabeth vowed then that when she could give back, she would.

Six years later, after marrying her husband, John, a teacher at the East Rock Global Magnet School in New Haven, and giving birth to their daughter, Emma, the Kennedys have joined our corps of weekend volunteers. They were happy to find a place where four-year-old Emma could be included.

Emma enjoys coming to the House, where she plays with other children who are guests. In fact, Emma has dubbed herself “the playing volunteer.” She may be the youngest ambassador of good will that we have! John admits that with the frenetic pace of modern life, it is difficult to set aside time away from work and the responsibilities of running a household. “Everything is very well organized, so it’s easy to be here and help just a little. That’s all most people need, just a little help,” noted John.

Night Managers Jane Eppley and Eric Jeuland, who live in an apartment on the third floor, provide coverage on weekday evenings and four weekends a year, making scheduling a bit easier. However, finding volunteers to fill the weekends through the rest of the year presents a challenge. The House has many couples who volunteer and the staff is always grateful when they can help out this way. Most couples have grown children, and a few even bring along a grand child or two.