Joan Swearingen is our volunteer with the longest tenure! As a Guest Services volunteer, she helps families check-in and check-out of the Springfield House, answers questions, and much more! She also writes our thank you cards for in-kind donations. Joan describes her experience as a volunteer below:

"I have been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House for 22 years. During this time I have seen the House expand from a total of 8 Bedroom/Baths with living. dining and play rooms to a 14 Bed/Bath to accommodate the growing need. Also staff has gone from 2 paid individuals to 6 plus nighttime people. Despite all of this growth, the basic services provided have remained the same.

"I consider myself fortunate to have been a volunteer for all these years. Being able to provide a safe, comfortable lodging for parents in crisis with a child in the hospital has been very fulfilling.

"Over all of these years, every family I have helped "check out" to finally go home has expressed their gratitude for the House and staff/volunteers. Often they refer to it as a blessing."