Shirley Drennan: Joyful and Genuine

"Shirley Drennan has been transforming and serving the families and staff at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas through volunteerism for 29 years. She wrote in her volunteer application - in 1987 - that her reason for volunteering was to 'share her spare time with the Ronald McDonald House.' And that she did!

"She has been an organization warrior to our store rooms and closets around the House - so much so that our main store room will forever be known as “Shirley’s Area”! She created a system for receiving our many donations and finds a place and use for all of it.

"Throughout her many years of service, Shirley has impacted countless families and staff with her genuine interest and joyful smile. We have a promotional video that shows one of our monthly birthday parties for the kids, and in the background, Shirley is hugging and talking to a guest family. She has been a consistent piece in allowing this organization to do what we do - provide families with a sense of comfort while they focus on the care and health of their child.

"This past year, Shirley has been fighting her own fight with cancer and recently had her last round of chemo, all the while itching to get back and serve as soon as she can! She emulates the strength we see in the parents and patients that stay with us. We are celebrating our 35th year as an organization in Dallas and we couldn't have gotten here without Shirley!"

By Ashley Reinhardt
Volunteer Coordinator at Ronald McDonald House of Dallas