As guests enter SECU Family House after a long day at UNC Hospitals, they meet the rest of their care team. Front desk volunteers greet them with a warm smile, other families share comfort over dinner prepared by volunteer meal teams, and volunteer musicians provide uplifting after-dinner entertainment.

At Family House, patients and their loved ones who travel great distances for life-saving procedures and serious illnesses find a safe, nurturing, affordable home. Caring volunteers and staff serve over 2,200 guests a year, helping them rest, heal, and gather strength when they need it most.

Volunteers play a critical role in supporting Family House guests by cooking, cleaning, organizing, entertaining, handling laundry and groceries, staffing the Front Desk and more — all with the healing power of kindness.  Some people volunteer as teams – for example, from a tennis team, an office, or a church – and others as individuals. Some volunteer weekly or monthly, and others volunteer once in a while. Family House needs volunteers of all kinds!

Organizing a group to provide a breakfast or dinner is fun and easy. Patients and families get a break from hospital or vending machine meals, as well as the opportunity to sit down and relax among other guests. Volunteers say it is rewarding to connect with others who are in need of comfort and care.

In the words of one of the longtime dinner groups:

  • “It’s giving back.”
  • “It’s service to others.”
  • “It’s getting together with old friends and sharing your blessings with others.”
  • “It makes you realize how much there is a need in providing these hot meals.”
  • “It helps us understand some of the pain and suffering the guests are going through.”

Dinners are normally served around 6:00 PM, and Saturday breakfasts at 9:00 AM. Meals are served buffet style and usually conclude after an hour. Meal groups should consist of 5-10 people, and participants may include teenagers and children under adult supervision.

Another popular way to volunteer is to gather items for the Family House wish list. As a 40-room house, Family House uses many of the items you use at home – only more! Grocery items such as coffee and crackers, and household items such as soap and paper towels constantly need to be replenished.

For more information on volunteering, see https://www.secufamilyhouse.org/get-involved or contact Volunteer Coordinator Claire Veazey at 919.932.8009, claire@secufamilyhouse.org.

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