At Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, D.C., families find more than a place to stay. They find a community of support, comfort, and connection while their children receive medical care. We're proud to bring the healing power of play to that community through our growing partnership!
This summer, Project Sunshine volunteers brought extra holiday cheer to the House through a “Christmas in July” Here to Party celebration, hosted by Expion Health.
Our partnership is growing in other exciting ways, too. At the DC House, college volunteers from The University of Maryland, College Park, and our new George Washington University Chapter now visit weekly for Here to Play programming, expanding from biweekly visits. In Northern Virginia, we recently launched weekly Here to Play visits with community volunteers from our Washington, D.C. Chapter, creating even more opportunities for families to play, create, and connect.
And there's a wonderful full-circle connection: Hannah Morgan, RMHC Greater Washington, D.C.'s new Community Engagement & Volunteer Manager, is a former Project Sunshine college volunteer who served with our Georgetown University Chapter throughout all four years of her undergraduate experience.
Reflecting on her experience as a Project Sunshine volunteer, Hannah shares: “I loved volunteering with Project Sunshine because I genuinely felt that the time we spent with children and families made a meaningful difference during what could otherwise be an incredibly difficult experience. I also remember feeling so welcomed and well prepared as a student volunteer. Project Sunshine provided thoughtful training and clear guidance, not only around our activities, but also around how to engage appropriately and compassionately with children and families in a hospital setting. That foundation made the experience especially meaningful to me and has stayed with me throughout my career.”
Today, Hannah sees that impact from a new perspective. “It has been incredibly meaningful to experience Project Sunshine from a new perspective in my current role at Ronald McDonald House Washington D.C. Through weekly activities, caregiver wellness programming, and special events like our recent Christmas in July celebration, I’ve seen firsthand how Project Sunshine creates opportunities for families to step away from the stress of medical treatment, connect with one another, and simply enjoy being together.”
We're so grateful to the RMHC Greater Washington, D.C. team and every volunteer who helps create these moments of joy. As Hannah reflects, “Seeing children creating, laughing, and having fun alongside their families is a powerful reminder of how much moments of joy, connection, and normalcy can mean during an otherwise challenging time. It feels especially full-circle to have started as a Project Sunshine volunteer in college and now have the opportunity to partner with the organization professionally. I’m incredibly grateful to remain connected to an organization that meant so much to me as a student, and I’m excited to see the partnership between Project Sunshine and Ronald McDonald House continue to grow.”
