Long-time friends Judy Landers and Ellen Blake always enjoy spending time together, but especially when it’s spent volunteering at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Judy has been volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities for over 30 years, beginning in Cincinnati, Ohio before joining the Peachtree Dunwoody House volunteer team in 2016. When Ellen retired, she was thrilled to be able to join her friend in her volunteer work.
From organizing the kitchen or storage rooms, to making flower arrangements, to interacting with families, Judy and Ellen find joy in any task they may be assigned.
“It is so wonderful to put things in the laundry room, in the storage room, or in the pantry that these guests need, because they have enough on their plate,” Ellen said.
Through spending many hours volunteering, Judy and Ellen recognize that families often come in late at night after being at the hospital all day, and anything from seeing flowers in the lobby, having their favorite food in the pantry, or having a clean room to come back to can be the highlight of their day.
“That’s our goal is for them to come in and have a clean room and not worry about anything – to be able to go to the hospital back and forth 24/7 when they need to,” Judy stated.
Judy expressed that serving is in her nature. “I just enjoy giving back – it’s a wonderful thing to be able to give.”
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities is grateful for the support of its wonderful volunteers like Judy and Ellen.