(Joplin, MO) – Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States hosted their annual Volunteer Recognition Event on April 11, 2025, celebrating the 159 volunteers who donated more than 14,605 hours in 2024. During the event, several special awards were presented to volunteers who went above and beyond in their service last year:
- Boomer’s BBQ received the Charity’s first-ever Meal Donor of the Year For more than two years, Boomer’s has generously donated and delivered meals to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House every other week.
- Jill Palmer was honored with the 2024 Heart of the Family Room Palmer volunteers in the evenings after work, bringing compassion and warmth to the families she serves. Over the past three years, she has contributed nearly 400 volunteer hours.
- Lorene Simpson received the 2024 Heart of the House Known for her energy and kindness, Simpson is inspired to serve by her own experience with the Ronald McDonald House and is dedicated to supporting families walking a similar path.
- Debbie Miller was named the 2024 Mary Davidson Volunteer of the Year. In less than two years, Miller has given 723 hours of service. She goes above and beyond for our charity by also supporting our three fundraisers, training new volunteers, and offering encouragement to everyone who walks through the doors.
In addition to these awards, five volunteers were recognized for their continued service since the Ronald McDonald House opened in 1998: Charles Keeter, Jennifer McVay, Joy Morris, Linda Phipps, and Lynn Simmons.
“The Ronald McDonald House Charities volunteers are an exceptional group who invest their time volunteering to strengthen our mission of providing essential care to families,” said Miranda Malin, Volunteer Coordinator at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States. “It is a truly special thing to have the quantity and quality of volunteers needed to keep our House and Family Room running smoothly every day. They are so easy to celebrate.”
For more information, visit www.rmhjoplin.org or call 417.624.2273.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States has served our communities since 1996 through its mission, which is to create, find, and support programs that directly support the health and well-being of children and their families. That mission is executed through its cornerstone program, Ronald McDonald House, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room, located at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Our House provides temporary lodging for families of seriously ill children (ages 0-21) and ill expectant mothers, while our Family Room serves as a small oasis for families of pediatric patients just steps away from their child’s hospital room. For the more than 200 families that Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States serves annually, we give a family with a sick child what they need most – each other.
Reference:
Emily Gibson, Communications Coordinator
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States
417.624.2273
egibson@rmhjoplin.org
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