Every Thursday afternoon, you can find James Cardwell with a smile on his face and a fully stocked Happy Wheels Cart, bringing a little joy—and a lot of heart—to the young patients at Children’s of Alabama.
As a dedicated volunteer with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama, James helps distribute free snacks, drinks, and activity books to children and their caregivers through the Happy Wheels Cart. The cart is stocked with donated items that volunteers pass out to families which alleviate stress and anxiety while going to appointments at Children’s of Alabama. While the items on the cart are small, the impact is powerful.
“What’s special to me is encouraging people when I’m passing out snacks and drinks and listening to their stories.”
James retired from a 31-year career as a probation officer and was determined to give back to the Birmingham community. Drawn to the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama, he found an opportunity to support families during their child’s medical care when they need it most.
“One of the things I really liked about the Ronald McDonald House was that it helps families who aren’t from this area. I imagined how scary that must be—being far from home, dealing with a sick child, and all the everyday stresses. I thought, ‘What a great cause.’”
Volunteers like James are a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact during a family’s most difficult moments—and they’re essential to fulfilling our mission of providing comfort and support when children need healthcare.
If you feel inspired by James’s story, you can bring comfort and support to families when they need it most. Help us stock the Happy Wheels Cart with snack items for patients and their families—or take the next step by volunteering or make a donation to support our mission.
