Service and Celebration at McDonald's Volunteer Day 2025
- Nick Malone
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
On September 25, 2025, Association House came alive with the sights, sounds, and energy of McDonald’s Volunteer Day. More than 65 McDonald’s corporate volunteers spent the day with us, not only rolling up their sleeves to transform our spaces, but also connecting with participants and celebrating the vibrant community we’re proud to serve.
The morning began with a burst of culture and color in the Thomas Lot, where volunteers set the stage for our Hispanic Heritage Celebration. They decorated the space, helped families settle in, and kept the fun flowing with table games and snacks. As music and dance filled the air, volunteers joined cheered on our Life Skills Education dancers, making sure everyone felt seen and celebrated.
And when the celebration paused for lunch, another McDonald’s team was already hard at work. From chopping fruit to grilling burgers and hot dogs, the food crew kept more than 200 people fueled throughout the day—complete with a special delivery of lunch to our Dulcinea residence.
Soon after, other teams spread across our campus to bring new life to our spaces. Upstairs, the waiting rooms for our Behavioral Health programs were transformed with fresh paint, brand-new furniture, and framed participant quotes that now line the walls in a gallery of encouragement.
In Holt Hall, another group of volunteers sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Drop-in Center and CCMTP participants for a guided painting activity. Canvases filled with color while conversations blossomed—an afternoon of art that reminded us that building community can be as simple as sharing a table and a story.
Elsewhere, volunteers refreshed some of our most important family spaces. Our Child Welfare visitation room was given new warmth with cheerful artwork, toys, and freshly assembled furniture. The once-plain back hallway on our first floor became a vibrant corridor of community pride, with a colorful design splashed across the walls, new food pantry tables installed, and even a mounted TV to brighten the space.
Meanwhile, at our Dulcinea residence, volunteers headed outdoors for a full-scale beautification effort—scraping and repainting, assembling furniture, clearing brush, and planting hostas to create a more welcoming environment for residents and their families.
And in an exciting change at our main building, another team carefully built raised garden beds and landscaped pathways to create the new Sadauskas Sensory Garden, a peaceful oasis filled with flowers and greenery where participants can pause, reflect, and recharge. The space is in honor of Harriet Sadauskas, our former President and CEO who dedicated 47 years of service to the House.
By the end of the day, Association House was totally transformed—reflecting the spirit of the work within. The dedication of McDonald’s volunteers left a mark far deeper than fresh paint or new furniture. They reminded our participants that they are cared for, that their spaces matter, and that their community extends far beyond our walls.
To every McDonald’s volunteer who joined us this year: thank you. You brought joy, beauty, and connection to every project, and we are so grateful for your partnership. Together, you didn’t just transform our campus—you uplifted our entire community. ■
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