Khadine McNeill, a Student Affairs staff member, paints the hallway of the Ronald McDonald House during a day of service June 18. Photo credit: Megan Morr

Durham, NC - It's the mission of the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) to help families of hospital patients, but sometimes even they need assistance as well. On Thursday, the staff of Duke's Office of Student Affairs stepped in to provide that help.

Working in two shifts, the student affairs staffers took time from their work to do needed repair and maintenance work at the house, located on Alexander Avenue on the Duke campus. More than five dozen employees got dirty getting the place looking better. The work included painting, organizing closets, washing vans, cleaning windows and wiping baseboards.

Since 1980, more than 20,000 families have resided at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham while one or more family members have been treated for a serious, long-term illness. The families call the house home during a time of greatest need, and Student Affairs staff members said they hoped their efforts Thursday would make that home more comfortable for the guests.

Stephanie Helms, education and training coordinator in student affairs, got busy working on closets and baseboards around the house. "I would recommend that people come help out the Ronald McDonald House whether they are actively participating with guests or providing money, food or clothes," Helms said.

Alex Orr, a UNC Chapel Hill public health grad student who is an intern at Duke's Student Health Center, hauled around mulch to the playground area. He said that he enjoyed working because it is worth it helping families and children.

Karen Morgan, volunteer coordinator at RMH, said working there is nice because she gets to make a difference in people's lives. Volunteer efforts such as the Student Affairs Day of Service is essential to allow the house staff focus on care for their families, she added.

"Having volunteers provides a plateau behind you to get things done," said Morgan. She also said that the house needs to be cleaned and taken care of on a daily basis because some of the people who live there are fragile and need to have a safe and clean environment.

The residents also appreciate the assistance as well. Yira Alfaro who is from Puerto Rico said that RMH is important to her because it is allows the family to be with their daughter, who has come to Duke for medical treatment. Her son recently joined her at the house. "I'm hoping that by the end of the summer, we all will be able to go home," Alfaro said.

At the end of the work shift, the student affairs volunteers said they were happy to have helped out. Both Helms and Orr said they would continue to come and do volunteer service at the house.

People interested in volunteering at Ronald McDonald House should contact Morgan at 286-9305.

Below, Megan Parry, left, and Larry Moneta, both with the Office of Student Affairs, paint a laundry room during the day of service.