About Silver streak. ([Atlanta, Georgia]) 2023-???? | View Entire Issue (June 30, 2023)
COMMUNITY Ronald McDonald House names volunteer of the year A sister Company of the For more details and information on our programs please contact us today We are pleased to announce the opening of our Behavioral Health Clinic Programming Includes: Mental Health IOP and PHP Drug and Alcohol IOP and PHP Specialized Sessions are provided for Older Adults (55+) and Seniors Tuxedo Center: 3580 Piedmont Road - Suite 214 Buckhead, GA 30305 www.BrightPathProgram.com 404-200-1925 SCAN HERE to join the Alpharetta Insider newsletter for all the latest information! Rriaht A Kathy Kiernan, a fellow volunteer, sits with Alexandra Thim, right, who was named the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Volunteer of the Year. By Bob Pepalis Alexandra Thim, the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Volunteer of the Year, has a long history with the charity. Thim, a Decatur resident, used to manage the Ronald McDonald House at Egleston for four years before she changed careers to work in a school environment so she could be home with her kids in the summer and after school. But when she retired nine years ago, Thim started volunteering. The Ronald McDonald House partners with children’s hospitals and gives families a place to stay close to their hospitalized child. Families don’t have to pay, although Thim said a $20 per night donation is requested but is not required. Both houses in Atlanta — near Egleston and in Sandy Springs near Scottish Rite — try to provide dinner every night. Sometimes volunteer groups come in and provide meals on the weekend. They have a pantry available with food. The houses also have toiletries available, providing a clean room and a private bath. “They get to stay as long as the child is in the hospital or in day treatment,” she said. Thim said she does a little bit of everything. Sometimes she makes sure the pantry is stocked and the laundry baskets for families are filled with supplies. She’ll clean the refrigerator or man the phone when the staff is in a meeting. “The staff loves it because it helps them with things they don’t have time for, and everybody is so appreciative. And I just find it so satisfying to be able to do this for these families that are going through a difficult time,” Thim said. When she worked as the house manager, people asked her if it was depressing, but she said no. “On the contrary, it’s a very uplifting situation because sometimes you’d have a child that is there for treatment. And they’ll smile at you and it’s like OK, they’ve made my day,” she said. Another volunteer who enjoys helping out is Sandy Springs resident Dick Schweitzer. He recently celebrated his 93rd birthday at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities location near Scottish Rite. He greets families, makes meals and delivers games and crafts. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit armhc.org/volunteer. A V -^0 ALPHARETTA has tiometkm FOR EVERYONE! Become an ALPHARETTA INSIDER and you will get the latest news, insider tips, events and giveaways delivered right to your inbox. AWESOME family memories await to be made in Alpharetta, GA, a beautiful Southern town ripe for discovery and exploration. Only 30 minutes from metro Atlanta, Alpharetta is the perfect blend of big city adventure and small-town authenticity. With hundreds of shops and delicious restaurants, weekly events, seasonal celebrations, biking trails and more 'awesome' activities, you'll be sure to find something for everyone. Make a weekend full of memories and book your stay at one of our 30 modern and upscale hotels. Visit awesomealpharetta.com to start planning! awesome ALPHARETTA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 678-297-2811 • awesomealpharetta.com The Official Destination Marketing Organization for Alpharetta, Georgia RoughDraftAtlanta.com JUNE 2023 | 11
