Ronald McDonald House Thanks Volunteers Like Ruth During Volunteer Appreciation Week

Ruth Noakes’ vibrant personality and quick pace makes it difficult for volunteers half her age to keep up with her.

Every Tuesday morning Ruth waters plants, bags snacks, changes dinner signs, recycles magazines and much more. Ruth likes doing her part to provide a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously-ill children.

“It’s important to me to provide a comfortable place for families to rest when they leave the hospital,” Ruth said.

Initially Ruth began helping RMHC by bringing breakfast for families at the Ronald McDonald House on West Pine each Saturday morning. She realized a little could go a long way and began bringing baked cookies with her. Soon Ruth began volunteering every Tuesday at the Ronald McDonald House.

Since becoming a house volunteer in 2001 and special events volunteer at Kids and Clays, Ruth said, “I have met many interesting people with similar interests to mine. I believe your donated time can be equally important as sending money.”

Ruth also brings home-cooked meals to families staying at the RMH on West Pine with her church’s dinner group so families have something to eat when they return from the hospital.

Ruth worked in marketing for an insurance company for 18 years and as a stay-at-home mother to her three children before volunteering at RMHC. When she isn’t busy doing for others, she likes to work as an usher at her church, tend to her garden and ride her bike through her Sunset Hills neighborhood of 44 years. She also likes to spend time with her eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren and will be expecting another in a few months.

Ruth recently traveled to Louisiana with a local church mission group to help families still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. She painted and installed wood flooring in families’ homes.

“I tell my friends they should volunteer to stay active; if not then they are missing out,” Ruth said.