Christian Herndon is famous, but he may not know it.
His big smile, excellent rapport with both kids and parents, and fun imagination have made him a favorite at Art Cart each week!
While he’s been volunteering at RMHC of Alabama for a couple of years, we aren’t the first stop in his Ronald McDonald House journey.
“I previously volunteered at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House and I continued when I moved to Birmingham because I love the mission. RMHC provides a wonderful place to stay and take some of the weight off parents and children going through difficult or unexpected situations,” he says.
Observing him at Art Cart, you might think he enjoys creating the most, but for Christian the reward is helping people.
“I enjoy getting to know the kids and parents alike. I can give them a break from whatever they might be going through to talk, to laugh, to listen, to paint/craft, and support them any way I see I can in that time. I am just as thankful to them as they are to me, because it is the highlight of my week to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House,” he says.
Because Christian has been able to volunteer regularly, he has been able to be part of some special journeys.
“I got to witness a special journey from when I started volunteering now to a year later. I found myself in a new city searching for a sense of belonging and passion and to be honest, it had been a while since I volunteered anywhere and I was trying to find my groove again.
“Operating the Art Cart, I expected kids to be my first “customers” but it was actually a mother and it caught me off guard. I got the pleasure of hearing about her newborn who had arrived very early and with challenges, while she proceeded to draw and talk with me. It was a very rewarding time and it totally changed my perspective. The weeks and months following would bring updates whether they were improvements or setbacks, all the while I was wishing for the chance to meet this little one and see a family reunited and able to go home.
After nearly a year, I not only got to witness them being able to bring this baby home, but also get the chance to meet the famous little girl I had heard so much about and I witnessed this family participate in the Red Shoe Run. It truly rocked my world. I am so grateful.”
As it happens, the Stewart family, whom Christian remembers in this special story, separately mentioned to our staff how impactful his support was during their stay! Check out their photo as they cross the finish line at the 2024 Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K!
“The Ronald McDonald House was truly my second home. The community I had at the hospital and House gave me hope,” Cortney says.
Having dinner and activities to look forward to in the evenings helped Cortney meet other families and give her a better outlook on Hazel’s health journey. Cortney says she enjoyed making crafts and adding Hazel’s name on them so she could bring them to the hospital.
RMHC of Alabama staff and guest families are grateful to Christian and all our volunteers! Visit our Volunteer Page to get involved today.
