It has become something of a tradition at Burton to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House. We plan and make dinner a couple of times a year for the guests of the House, so they have a warm meal to look forward to at the end of their day. 

As with almost everything in 2020, this too took on a different look.    Understandably, the guests cannot risk interacting with more people than they already do, so this year we were able to order prepared meals and have them delivered. 

After confirming the headcount, and ordering meals to be delivered, I thought, “Well that was easy!” At the same time, I was struck at how it was nowhere near as satisfying. The teamwork, the chopping, the stirring, the grilling, the anticipation of feeding families who simply had far bigger and “badder” things to worry about, is exhilarating. In the physical act of doing for these stressed families, we are a chattier and more cheerful bunch. I think it is because giving of ourselves isn’t selfless, it’s soul-full, and I miss that…this year.

For more information about the good work going on at the Ronald McDonald House:

What We Do – Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (armhc.org)