Immersed in Early Childhood Professional Experience

  I collaborated with the Ronald McDonald House staff to promote and fulfill the mission of the organization by providing a safe, clean, and supportive environment for families to rest and recharge during their child’s medical care. Clutter and the need to keep up with household chores increases stress, “a person's visual cortex can be overwhelmed by objects not related to a particular task” (Gordon, 2025). Insuring a clean environment for families reduces the stress they have in an overwhelming time.

  Much like maintaining a clean and safe classroom, toys and common areas at the house must be cleaned and sanitized to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. With many families having children in the intensive care unit, it is important to protect the guests within the house. Volunteer services help keep the Ronald McDonald House free for families, so that low-income families can be with their children during their medical care without significant financial loss. Caring for the house needs allows parents to be where they want and need to be the most, with their healing child.

The organization works to support sick or injured children regardless of race or demographic, seeing diverse populations and differing medical needs within their walls. The mission statement of the Ronald McDonald House Charities is, “provide essential services that remove barriers to healthcare, strengthen families, and promote healing when children are sick.” Their slogan, “Keeping Families Close- to their hospitalized children, to medical care, to the best medicine. Family.” The house allows for visitors, supports day guests in the hospital, and overall provides a safe place for families to visit and support a sick or injured child. Family involvement is critical for a child’s development, and knowing that my time supports healing and family connections makes me feel proud of volunteering.

To learn more or find ways to Volunteer click here ——> https://ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/about-us

A Ronald McDonald House can be found at a children’s hospital near you!

Sources

Gordon, S. (2025). The Conection Between Cleanliness and Mental Health. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental- health-and-cleaning-are-connected-5097496

Ronald McDonald House (n.d) About Us.

https://ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/about-us