In the month of November, Auto-Wares employees had the pleasure of teaming up with Ronald McDonald House Charities to help make baked goods for the families staying there. To say the experience was rewarding and humbling, would be to put it lightly. We are thankful for this experience and look forward to more opportunities to volunteer in the future!
The Ronald McDonald House of West Michigan was founded in 1990. According to their website, the home’s mission is “to provide a home away from home for families traveling to Grand Rapids whose children are experiencing a serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization.” Here in Grand Rapids, where Auto-Wares’ corporate offices are located, we are fortunate enough to have some of the best hospitals and treatment centers for children. The fact that this home provides families traveling to Grand Rapids with a place to stay, at no cost, is truly incredible.
“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
While baking at the house, we met with Volunteer & Engagement Senior Manager, Kortney Hapner. Kortney shared a brief story with us that really put everything into perspective. Hapner shared that while in the house one day, she encountered a mother in tears and came to her aid. Hapner learned that this mother recently gave birth to twins, who at the time, were not doing well. The woman explained that while she was a new mother, she didn’t feel like she was, as she couldn’t bring her babies home with her. This woman was completely broken and hurt, going through the unimaginable. At that moment, Hapner was humbled by the fact that, on a daily basis, we encounter many menial things that send us on a spiral. Whether it’s low tire pressure or forgetting to pack a lunch, we choose to let these small things ruin our day. Instead, we should rejoice, and celebrate the health, safety, and security we do have. When we can, we should help others, because when we all work together, we can make a difference.
In moving forward with our partnership with the Ronald McDonald House, we are asking for your help and support. One way that you can contribute is by collecting pop tabs at your store and warehouse locations. The Ronald McDonald House recycles pop tabs in exchange for funds to help support the families they serve. While one pop tab may seem like a small donation, when collected over time, it makes a huge difference. And with our over 200+ locations, I assure you, we can make an impact! If your location would like to participate, please send an email to hr@autowares.com requesting a collection jar to be placed in your break room along with instructions. Thank you everyone for your support!
