Charity

   One of the things that is so special about being here at Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is the constant charity we get to witness. Every day a different group comes and cooks or serves dinner. On holidays, folks come and decorate or do crafts with the residents. There are wonderful treats given to residents as they become available from a wide source of generous donations to the House. For example, Steven and Ed were invited to throw out the first pitch at a Mets game at Citi Field!!  That was no small treat let me tell you!!   It was right after our daughter's brain surgery and such a welcome distraction for the guys. 

The next trip, Ed and the three youngest boys were given tickets for the 1st row....behind home plate....of the Yankees!!!  Those beauties were donated to Ronald McDonald House by Make~A~Wish of New York.  What a day they had. It was also Old Timers Day so it was especially wonderful for Ed.  Notice the shirts below ~

                                                                 Pretty cool huh??

    While we were here for St. Valentine's Day this trip, several groups came to the House to help us celebrate. One group brought all the makings for cut-out sugar cookies. There were a couple adults and several teens. They made stations for the kids (and grown-ups too) to cut out the cookies, and another to cut out fondant for the tops.  There was a third station to create a decorative box to put the cookies and Valentines in and a fourth to craft beautiful St. Valentine cards..  Here is my amateur photo shoot !

 

    

 

 

   See all the snow in the background? The volunteers ventured out after that crazy blizzard we had!!

   It was a lovely morning of making cookies, boxes and cards.  There was also a group there making cupcakes to decorate. The goodness of people abounds here. That others want to serve us simply because we are far from home with a sick child/children and would enjoy doing something "normal" is such a blessing. 

  Volunteering your time has profound meaning. If you don't already, think about volunteering to do something. If you are sad, down, feeling unappreciated, this is a great way to solve those problems. Service is never a waste of time and it will help you to be thankful for what you have.

   Thank you Ronald McDonald House of Long Island for sharing your gifts with us. Thank you to all the donors of things like baseball tickets! Thank you to all the volunteers who made our holiday brighter and fun!! 

~Blessings~

     Lisa