21 Feb How You Impact RMHC of WNY
A Message from Our Executive Director, Marianne Hoover
It has been a year filled with changes and unique challenges. Through it all, our commitment to families seeking life-saving medical care for their children is unwavering. I am proud to report that over the past year, with the support of our staff, volunteers, corporate partners and donors, our Ronald McDonald Family Room and Buffalo House doors never closed.
In 2021 more than 110 families stayed at our Buffalo House. Because of You, over 1,570 nights were donated through our Share-a-Night campaign.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing and safety measures in place, our House volunteer program paused in the first quarter of 2021. We were delighted to welcome volunteers back into the Buffalo House in April. Volunteers make an incredible difference in the lives of the children and families served by RMHC of WNY – by greeting, cooking, running errands, grocery shopping, cleaning or simply being there and supporting in any way they can.
In March, with the support of John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, we welcomed back our Hospital Volunteers and our Ronald McDonald Family Room was once again open 7 days per week. Our Happy Wheels Cart resumed its travels 2 days per week in August and added Saturdays in September. Because of You, even with the reduced operating hours and COVID concerns, there were over 2,850 visits to our Ronald McDonald Family Room and 360 visits each week by our Happy Wheels Cart.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our Charity, helping to offset costs and allowing us to direct donations to services. Despite the uncertainties of the pandemic, you all stepped up, donating your time and talent to support our programs and families.
As you know, we rely solely on donations from our local community. Your support was even more essential with the restrictions we needed to implement for our Cooks for Kids program. The pause led to increased and unplanned expenses. Because of you, our families always came home to a meal and a full fridge.
The generosity of Wish List donations from individuals, groups and corporations was impressive. Because of you, our Buffalo House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Happy Wheels Cart remained fully stocked. Donations of handmade booties, pillowcases, mittens, hats, and everything in between brought daily smiles to our families.
Last year over 300 Grab and Go Bags were assembled for our guest families. Because of You, our families always had an assortment to choose from for the long days spent at the hospital.
The money donated by individuals, corporations, foundations and associations made sure our van had a full tank of gas, our utility bills were paid on time, our grass was cut and our driveway plowed. Because of you, our guest families’ daily needs were met.
Even with the uncertainty in today’s world, your unwavering dedication is awe-inspiring, and we are tremendously grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.