To anyone who has ever had the treat of volunteering at the LeBonheur Children’s Hospital beverage cart: can we all agree that Gordon is the greatest? I found myself getting emotional this evening preparing to write this blog, reflecting on my day working with Gordon, the staff and families.
When I hopped off the elevator at LeBonheur Hospital, I was greeted by Volunteer Coordinator Timorie. She generously contacted me bright and early this morning in the midst of the monsoon that took place in Memphis today, to give me an insider tip about a parking ramp that would keep me from taking a single step in the elements on my way to her office. As a first time volunteer, and a former Volunteer Coordinator, I greatly appreciated her going the extra mile.
I was introduced to Gordon, a regular volunteer at the hospital, and we hit the ground running. Gordon explained to me his routes as he serves coffee faithfully Tuesdays and Thursdays at the hospital. The beverage cart, decked out with all the bells and whistles, has been Gordon’s project over the last year. The cart is equipped with all the fixings for coffee, tea, hot chocolate and the “LeBonheur Special” (a hot chocolate and coffee combo). In addition to the complimentary beverages to families staying in the children’s hospital, the beverage cart delivers smiles. While I know this is corny, it is no less true. I can’t tell you how many people were waiting for the beverage cart, or chasing us down through the rounds for a LeBonheur Special.
The beverage cart making rounds every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
In three hours we covered six floors of the hospital. Each floor was designated to a different type of treatment. While the appearance of children changed floor to floor, every family had the common bond of being there for a child they love and desperately wanted to be healthy again.
My interest in volunteering in this setting hits close to home. Throughout college, I spent endless hours at medical appointments, waiting entire days in the hospital for the doctor to give me a three minute update, and spending the night on hospital couches. It does not take moving mountains to brighten your day in this environment. A smile can make your day…a smile AND a cup of coffee? WEEK MADE! Every cup prepared at the cart is done with love.
Hard working staff get a Le Bonheur Special boost.
While the beverage cart is not delivering lifesaving medicine at LeBonheur, it certainly boosts morale where it counts. Whether it’s a staff member with wet shoes from their 5am commute in the rain looking for a morning boost, a parent on empty looking to try the infamous “special” in the midst of their endless coffee runs, or a child who lights up asking their parent if they can pretty please have a hot cocoa: Volunteer Services provides an invaluable asset to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital.
Thank you for reading! Like what you read? Megan Banaszek is searching for a job in the non-profit sector where she can use her Family Services degree and public service experience to make a positive impact in Memphis. …. Contact her at meganbanaszek0123@gmail.com or jobleads@volunteerodyssey.com.
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