Support often shows up in simple, human ways. A warm meal, a friendly conversation, or a place to pause can make a difficult day feel a little more manageable for families with children receiving medical care.
Laura Schorzman volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where she helps create a welcoming space for families with children receiving medical care. She organizes the Old Fort Hall Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) group to provide a monthly meal and snack. She also shares wish lists and other volunteer opportunities with her group, encouraging members to contribute in ways that work for them.
Laura has been volunteering at the Family Room for about a year and a half. She first connected with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho after being asked by her chapter’s Regent to explore how their group could help. After touring the Family Room and learning more about the support offered to families, she brought the opportunity back to her group and helped get their involvement started.
Laura says “We have people who have experience with children (or grandchildren) in the NICU or in the burn unit, and it is kind of close to everyone. I think everyone knows someone impacted.”
Today, she helps coordinate a rotating group of volunteers who come together to prepare a monthly meal. In the week leading up to their scheduled day, Laura reaches out to organize the menu and assign dishes, so everything comes together smoothly. That consistent presence matters. Families staying close to their child’s bedside often do not have the time or energy to think about meals. Having something ready, something made with care, can bring a sense of comfort in the middle of an uncertain day.
For Laura, it is about more than the meal. “We chat and we cook and we laugh,” she shared. “What we’re doing is a good thing. We are bringing a little comfort.” Some moments stay with her. She remembers one of their first visits, when a young couple came into the Family Room visibly upset. Watching the care and compassion shown by staff at that moment left a lasting impression. She remembers thinking “Wow, this is good that we do this.” And says, “I think about that family a lot.” It reinforced just how important a space like the Family Room can be for families going through difficult days.
Laura is quick to point out that this is a group effort. Their chapter includes about 50 members, with a core group rotating through meal service. Others contribute in different ways, donating items, knitting, and crocheting, or making quilts for families. It is a shared effort, with each person giving what they can.
During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are grateful for Laura and the Old Fort Hall Chapter, NSDAR, for the time and care they bring to the Family Room each month. Their commitment helps make sure families feel supported, welcomed, and not alone.
