Meals from the Heart at Ronald McDonald House: Louisville, KY
The Ronald McDonald House provides critical support to families of hospitalized children by offering a warm, caring refuge for families to rest and recharge, and have their practical needs such as meals and lodging taken care of, so they can focus on their child’s healing. Volunteers are often needed to help with an array of tasks such as prepare guest rooms, carry out laundry, cook and serve hot meals for the families.
On August 31, 2024, eleven members from the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Louisville volunteered with Meals from the Heart at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana. Four Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) students and seven adult Sai Center members worked together to cut vegetables, cook, and serve the guests a mouth-watering Indian cuisine consisting of naan (bread), chole (chickpeas curry), raita (seasoned yogurt), fried potatoes, rice, and for dessert, chocolate chip cookies. Meal preparation took about an hour and a half, followed by another hour and a half of serving the meal to about 60 guests. After the dining services ended, they packed the leftovers and put them in the fridge for other guests who had not had a chance to eat.
The SSE students described their experience: “Both helping to make the meal and serving it to the guests made me feel like I was making a difference, especially during this stressful time in their lives.” Another student said, “It felt so nice to see the guests enjoy the food. A lady enjoyed the meal so much that she took pictures of the food and shared them with her extended family in St. Louis!”
An adult volunteer commented, “Sometimes, we don't even know if they will like the type of dishes we have prepared, but their quiet "thank you" and sincere smiles let us know that they felt our love towards them.” “With each opportunity I get to serve in the community, I feel a deep sense of gratitude to be able to help, and in the process, transform myself. It reminds me that a small act of giving and kindness can be so valuable”, expressed a senior member from the center. “The whole experience reinforced the belief that we are merely instruments of His love! We felt blessed in this carrying out this service,” shared another volunteer.