(article and photo by Steve Strand- Professor, Business Dept. and Facility Advisor, SMCC Business Club)

Someone once said, “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” It is so true!  On Saturday, April 16th, members of the SMCC Business Club volunteered their time to make meals for the families residing at the Ronald McDonald House in Portland. This event was organized by Business Club member Nicole-Raye Ellis. The Business Club purchased the food, and prepared a wonderful meal of chicken and vegetables stirfry, rice, salad and other items in the house’s kitchen for the 21 family residents (my job was clean-up…I wasn’t allowed to cook!)

A Ronald McDonald House is that “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost. Portland’s Ronald McDonald House is just blocks away from the Maine Medical Center. Deb, a volunteer receptionist at the House in Portland, told me she was a resident approximately twelve years ago when her son was going through a lengthy hospital treatment.  Today, her son is a fifteen-year old handsome, engaging and healthy young man and also a volunteer at the House. Deb said that “having a meal prepared for families who have so much else to deal with is an enormous help, and greatly appreciated”.

It is such an honor to be associated with students like these volunteers who generously give their time and energy make a positive impact on their communities.  Special thanks to SMCC students Matthew, Pamela, Tom, Alysa and Joey. Thank you!

With best wishes to all the families passing through the Ronald McDonald House,

The SMCC Business Club