For around three decades, Nancy Roberts has been a familiar and steady presence at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho. Her connection to the House began simply, with a daily walk past the building during her 28-year career as a respiratory therapist at St. Luke’s. Day after day, she saw the House and thought about the families inside. One day, she decided to walk through the front door.
That small step turned into years of service.
Over the years, Nancy has watched the House grow in ways that still surprise her. What began as a small four-room home now has 48 rooms. She remembers when there were only a couple of staff members and a tight-knit group of volunteers. Today, the House has grown alongside the community, meeting an increasing need with compassion and care.
“I mean, unfortunately, there was that need, but it was wonderful that the community, invested in that, and we were able to do that first expansion.” Nancy says, “Then it just seemed like overnight that was full. Luckily, it was on a big enough piece of property that they could go out and up a little bit more. So that was nice. And then when the dream came of this building, it was like, again, unfortunate that we needed that. But the community came together and were able to build this beautiful facility.”
Even in those early days, the mission was clear to her. Working in the hospital, Nancy saw firsthand how important it was for families to have a comfortable place to stay while their child received care. The House offered more than a roof over their heads. It gave families a sense of calm, a place to rest, and the chance to be close to their child during incredibly difficult moments.
Nancy often helped with special events or seasonal projects. She made beautiful scrapbooks and even recalls doing a tv interview for us for a fundraiser. She often brought her young sons along for spring cleanups as well; giving them an early look at what it means to show up for your community. In a scrapbook from April 1997, we recently found a volunteer spotlight on Nancy showing a lovely photo of her and her son.
For Nancy, the most meaningful part of her time has always come back to the families. “I think the stories that I read from families that have stayed here, I think that’s the best.” She says, “That’s what we do it for. And so just to read those nice stories from families, I think that’s, that’s what fills my cup.”
Now recently retired, Nancy has found new ways to deepen her involvement. With more time to give, she reached out to see where she could help most. That conversation led her to take on an organizing project inside the House, something that fits perfectly with her love of bringing order and efficiency to a space. She now spends time each week helping behind the scenes, making things run a little more smoothly. Everyone in our kitchens definitely thanks her for it!
Nancy understands that volunteering can feel intimidating at first. Walking into a new place, meeting new people, and figuring out where you fit can be a challenge. “But” she says, “everybody’s so welcoming that it’s not intimidating. Just walking through the front door for the first time is all you really need.” From there, you find your place. “Give as little as you can or as much as you can, they’ll take what they can get. You’re giving back. You’re helping these families.”
Looking back, Nancy describes her journey with the House as both long and surprisingly quick. The years have passed, but the impact has only grown. What started as a simple decision to step inside has become a lasting connection to a mission that continues to change lives.
And through it all, Nancy Roberts has been there, making a difference, one act of service at a time.
