Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego


Contact Us|Get Email Updates
Give Now
  • Services
    • Lodging
    • Meals
    • Family Care Center
    • Education & Enrichment
    • Stay With Us
      • Eligibility Information
      • What to Expect
      • Rules & Guidelines
      • Guest FAQs
  • Events
    • Events & Ways to Help
    • Raffles
    • Signature House Events
    • Community Events
    • Become a Sponsor
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Serve a Meal
    • Start a Campaign
    • Wish Lists
    • Group Opportunities
    • Other Ways to Help
  • Ways to Give
    • Give Now
    • Monthly Giving
    • Giving Circles
    • Corporate & Community
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Planning Your Legacy
    • Give Appreciated Securities
    • Other Ways to Give
  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • Board of Trustees
    • Staff
    • Our Community

A Heart Stronger Than Ever: Volunteer Driver Richard Ellis

June 11, 2018 by Marcy Rodin

Share This On

A Heart Stronger Than Ever: Volunteer Driver Richard Ellis

Twice a week, San Marcos retiree Richard Ellis heads to our Ronald McDonald House to begin his morning shift as a volunteer driver. He laughs, “If it’s good for my wife, it’s good for me.”

But it’s more than that. His daughter volunteered at the Tennessee Ronald McDonald House, and three years ago, she passed away. Talking with her fellow volunteers gave him the idea of seeing what he might do back in San Diego.

Now he’s picking up food and retail donations for us from around the county—things that keep our House running smoothly. “He’s always willing to lend a helping hand,” says House Manager Kerrina Koltz. “We sure appreciate him!”

And we missed him during his absence. A heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery last fall led to a six-month break for recovery. He now regularly logs 15 miles on his fitness tracker—covering ground by foot as well as on the road driving for us again.

Some people think the Ronald McDonald House is fully supported by McDonald’s. But that’s not the case—it’s a real community effort. It’s worth supporting.

Would you like to drive for the Ronald McDonald House? Contact our volunteer coordinator to learn more about what’s needed and how to apply.

How to Volunteer

Comments

Filed Under: Uncategorized

See All News
Volunteer Be Our Guest Give

Events & Ways to Help

Red Shoe Day | May 21, 2025 | 7:00-9:30am
March 5, 2025
Red Shoe Day | May 21, 2025 | 7:00-9:30am
Jan 1, 2025 Choose Your Way to Support RMHC-San Diego in 2025
Jan 1, 2025 Share Your Story and Inspire Others!
May 10, 2025 Shop for Mom and Support RMHCSD
May 16, 2025 Mardi Gras in May
May 17, 2025 Play Pickleball and Help Families with Hospitalized Children
See All Events

Stories From Our Families

Together with Elisia
Together with Elisia
Going Home With Gigi
Going Home With Gigi
A Home, Far, Far Away from Home
A Home, Far, Far Away from Home
Together from Day One
Together from Day One
Emma Joy’s Journey
Emma Joy’s Journey
Declan’s Crew
Declan’s Crew
See More Stories

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Apple, Inc.

Legoland California

Watkins Wellness

Smart & Final

The Martin-Brower Company

PreviousNext

Stay Connected

Give NOW

Contact Us | Careers | Financials | Press Room | Board Portal | Terms of Use | Privacy

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of San Diego
2929 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123

©RMHC.
The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Charity Navigator 4 start