Mercedes Hall is a second-year medical student at Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM), Idaho’s first and only osteopathic medical school. After graduating, she will earn her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. “Then next steps would be to apply to residency programs and figure out my specialty,” she shared. “Eventually, I want to apply to OB-GYN and deliver babies all day.”
Since the fall of 2025, Mercedes has been volunteering at the House every Friday, bringing a group of fellow students with her. Building on the work of students before her, she has helped create a consistent rhythm of service. ICOM students serve in a variety of ways, from baking and preparing snacks to cleaning and organizing shared spaces. “I think what is nice is there are a lot of different tasks or a lot of different needs that the House has,” Mercedes said. Baking has become a favorite, especially because it welcomes families back at the end of the day. “When families get back to the house, it smells like cookies or smells like sweet treats, and they always comment on it, and it really makes them feel at home.”
She also finds meaning in caring for the House itself. “I really enjoy cleaning the kids’ room because it’s really fun just to see what the kids do with things and how creative they get,” she shared. “The messier it is, the better, because it means it’s a great space for kids, and they’re having a lot of fun. It is definitely messy and loved.”
Beyond weekly visits, Mercedes has helped create additional ways for students to get involved. She organized a campus event where students had a movie night and tied blankets together and donated them to families. Mercedes has also enjoyed making handmade cards for families and dropping them off at the House. “I think there’s a lot of ways to get involved,” she said, noting that even those who cannot come in person can still make a difference. Remote projects are a great way to get involved!
For Mercedes, it is the small moments that matter most. “It’s just like the little things that I think really help it feel like home while they’re away from home,” she said. Whether it is a warm treat, a clean playroom, or a sweet card, those simple acts of care go a long way.
Through her leadership, Mercedes, along with other students before her, have helped build a strong culture of service among ICOM students. When asked what she would tell others thinking about volunteering, she said, “I absolutely recommend it.” We are grateful for Mercedes and the students she leads. Their time, care, and consistency help make the House a place where families feel supported and at home.
