What Is “Meals from the Heart”?
“Meals from the Heart” is a beautiful program that embodies compassion, community, and sustenance. At RMHC, it’s not just about providing shelter; it’s about creating a home-away-from-home for families facing challenging times. When a child is receiving medical treatment far from their own home, the burden can be overwhelming. That’s where “Meals from the Heart” steps in.
How Does It Work?
- Volunteer-Prepared Meals:
- Dedicated volunteer groups come together to prepare meals. Recently four Elmbrook Rotarians provided Meals from the Heart at the Southeastern Wisconsin Ronald McDonald House in Wauwatosa at the Milwaukee Medical Center.
- These volunteers planned the menu, purchased the ingredients, and then worked their magic in the kitchen, prepping and serving dinner with love to 40+ family members. Afterwards, the crew cleaned the cookware, kitchen and provided to-go containers for the families.
- The goal? To create wholesome, comforting meals that families can enjoy without worrying about the hassle or cost of cooking themselves.
- A Welcoming Space:
- A provided heartwarming meal in the Family Room allows families to sit down together, share stories, and find solace in a warm environment.
- Imagine parents and children gathering around a table, nourishing both body and spirit.
- Impactful Support:
- Families often express their gratitude for having fresh, homemade food available.
- One parent shared, “My daughter and I were able to sit, play games, and enjoy a meal together without the tally running up.”
- Another mentioned, “It was so nice to have fresh food available; I was getting really tired of fast food.”
The Heartfelt Impact
- Each year, nearly 3,000 homemade meals are served to families at the Ronald McDonald House. Ian shared that “the families were very grateful for dinner” after returning from an emotional draining day at the hospital.
- Volunteers become part of the healing process, providing not just sustenance but also emotional support.
- Families find comfort in shared meals, forging connections with others who understand their journey.
How You Can Help
- Consider donating to RMHC or becoming a volunteer.
- Your contribution, whether through time or resources, directly impacts families during their most vulnerable moments.
Remember, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the love, care, and community that come with every meal.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved, click on this link www.rmhc-easternwi.org.
Elmbrook Rotary welcomes community members to join us in our volunteer opportunities and projects. To view the event calendar, visit www.elmbrookrotary.org, select the Volunteer Event Opportunities tab to scroll through the calendar for events and the contact person who can provide more information about the activity.
Thank you, Anne, Harry, Paul and Ian for being part of this heartwarming mission!
