02/10/2023
Giving back is a focus for us at Grover Lewis Johnson (GLJ), so we were delighted to serve for a second time in a community service outing at the Ronald McDonald House in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The organization “provides a ‘home away from home’ for families traveling to Grand Rapids whose children are experiencing a serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization”, and welcomes volunteer assistance for meal preparation, material donations, and in-house services.
Our seven-member GLJ volunteer team met at the Ronald McDonald House on January 25, 2023, and we went to work creating a meal for the residents. The final products included four different entrees and a dessert, all individually labeled, packaged, and frozen for future use. These meals provide emotional support to the resident families and their children with medical issues. They provide respite from daily chores, and give families assurance that others are on their team.
“This is the second time we’ve participated in this local volunteering opportunity. The first time we did it was just before the pandemic, and we were able to actually meet the families and visit with them while they ate dinner. It was nice to be able to talk with them and be supportive of their situations.” says Human Resource Manager Kathleen Meindertsma. “Now with Covid restrictions still in place, we missed that interaction this time, but we are hoping to participate in some of the other activities at the Ronald McDonald House this summer, outside, which will give us the chance to meet and support the families in person. Giving back is a focus of GLJ employees, whether during work hours or after business hours.”
