December 2018 - In This Issue
Happy Holidays and Mission Moment 

The Indianapolis Star recently ran a story about one of our wonderful families, the Schofield's. It is a great reminder of why we do what we do at the House.



As we celebrate this season of togetherness, we thank you for all you do to provide comfort, care and compassion to the families we serve. May you have a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!



As members of our wonderful and dedicated team of volunteers, you know first-hand the impact that a fresh cup of coffee, homemade meal and a safe place to sleep can make in the lives of a Ronald McDonald House family.

In this season of giving, we invite you to increase your support by becoming members of our brand-new Family Tree monthly giving program. By joining our Family Tree, you are helping to build a foundation of continuous and reliable support for RMHCCIN families. (Plus, now through December 31, your first month's gift will be matched by a generous donor up to a total of $10,000!)  Join our Family Tree today and double the impact of your year end gift.

Thank you Bryce Nelson


Bryce Nelson performing at his benefit concert.

We are fortunate to have a number of multi-talented volunteers at the House and Guest Services Volunteer, Bryce Nelson is no exception. Recently, Bryce donated his musical talent and put on a concert at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church where the proceeds benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana. Thank you Bryce for continually donating your many talents to the House! 
Operational Updates

Donations

The holidays are upon us which means we anticipate a high number of in-kind and wish list donations over the coming weeks. Please keep in mind that, for the health and safety of your families, we can only accept new items in their original packaging. This includes dolls, stuffed animals, action figures, etc. Please refer to the donation list in the "Need to Know" binder for the list of items we can and cannot accept. Should you have any questions or receive a donation of used items, please see the Manager on Duty.


Please help us stock our pantries! We had a slow summer in-kind donation season and are in need of several items such as paper towels, liquid laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes, canned fruit, snack crackers, pudding cups, granola bars, cereal, canned tuna & chicken, canned spaghetti or ravioli, cookies and chips.  A full list of items we need can be found on the Ronald McDonald House website or on our  Amazon Wish List.
Get To Know The House Event

Last Fall we held a couple of dine and learn events where you - some of our best recruiters - had the opportunity to introduce your friends and family to the House and our volunteer opportunities. Due to the popularity of these event, we are going to do it again!  On Wednesday, January 9 at 6 p.m., you are invited to bring a friend and show off what you love the most about the House! Pizza and dessert will be provided along with information about our volunteer opportunities!

 

Following the event, our first New Volunteer Orientation of the year will be on Saturday, January 19 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. If you know someone who would be a great volunteer at the House, have them contact Mary. 

 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Mary Friend at [email protected] or (317) 267-0605, ext. 225.

Yoga Anyone?
  
Houseguests, volunteers and staff are welcome to join our complimentary yoga classes on the first Monday of each month from 7- 8 p.m. The next class will be held on MondayJanuary 7, so please join us! Thank you Kelly Alford from The Yoga Studio for your generous donation. 
Look Who Was Caught Rolling Out The Red Carpet
 
Patti Cooper, House Operations Associate, caught Guest Services Volunteer, Cindy Maudedemonstrating cooperation, communication and teamwork.

Patti wrote: "On several occasions, Cindy has stayed past her regular shift to help prepare rooms for incoming families. This is greatly appreciated by the Manager on Duty and the next shift! She also stays over to help with special projects."

Thank you, Cindy. We appreciate your dedication to teamwork!

Congratulations! Your Crew Carwash pass is in the mail.

Remember, if you catch a volunteer rolling out the red carpet and providing an excellent family experience, please submit a nomination using the form below. Printed copies of this form are also available in the front office at both Limestone and Riley. Each month, all nominations are eligible for a random drawing for a Crew Carwash pass.

Please click the following link for the nomination form: Red Carpet Nomination Form
Updated Volunteer Schedule
 
Please click the following link for the updated volunteer schedule:  December 2018 Guest Services Schedule.

Please join us in celebrating the following birthdays:

12/3
12/4
12/7

12/8
12/14
12/14
12/15
Nancy O'Connor
Robert Twitchell
Healther
   Michelstetter
Alley Gary
Sarah Copeland
Jessica Miller
Scott Hatchel
12/15
12/19
12/20
12/20
12/21
12/21
12/22
Phyllis Welch
Emily Stanczak
Karen McGugin
Micayla West
Ruth Kurowski
Cosette Smith
Marci Corbin
12/22
12/23
12/23
12/25
12/26
12/29
12/31
Cameron Freisen
Devon Fischer
Sonya Storye
Donis Kendrick
Amanda Eck
Marla Hatchel
Christine Daly

Upcoming Events

Visit our website or watch for details in future editions of this newsletter for these events.

Santa's Workshop
Thursday, December 13 - Sunday, December 23
New Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, January 19
Get To Know The House Event
Wednesday, January 9

Substitute List

Please contact these people if you need a substitute. 

Limestone  
Lori Ball

[email protected]
 

317-371-9150
Not available Tues or Wed
Katy Brawley
317-258-9451

Jennifer Cannady
[email protected]

Weekends only
Gwen England

Weekday evenings (except Tues) and weekends
Craig Ito

Weekdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Rega Kowalski
[email protected]
317-241-1566

Steff Mabe
[email protected]
317-374-2529
Not available Tues Mornings

Riley
Anita Butts
[email protected]

Evenings
Laurie Eagan
l[email protected]

317-691-3757
Weekdays 12-3 p.m.
Michael Rhinaman

317-258-4688
Weekday evenings

If you would like to add your name to this list, please contact Mary Friend at [email protected] or at (317) 267-0605, ext. 225.

Please remember to notify the Manager on Duty for last minute shift cancellations. If you know your conflict in advance, notify Mary Friend. Also, let us know if you are able to find a substitute so we can update the schedule. Be sure to notify Mary or the Manager on Duty directly rather than through your shift mates.

Thank you!

Our Mission
We provide a supportive "home-away-from-home" for families of children receiving medical care at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and other area hospitals, and we champion programs that improve the health, education and well-being of children.

Our Vision
Nurturing a community where children and their families embrace life and healing with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy.
 
Our Values: 
I CARE
  • Innovation: We aim for continuous improvement to provide the highest level of comfort and care for our families.
  • Compassion: We seek to listen, understand and serve.
  • Accountability: We strive for the highest level of integrity and transparency with all of our partners and stakeholders.
  • Respect: We treat all people with dignity, compassion and respect.
  • Excellence: We embrace our mission and passionately commit to creating the best home-away-from-home for our families.
Newsletter Editor
Mary Friend, CVA
Volunteer Resources Manager
Direct Line: (317) 267-0605, ext. 225