Candidate for U.S. Congress volunteers for Ronald McDonald House at Little League World Series
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Rachel Wallace, a Democrat candidate for Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District, volunteered at the Little League World Series helping to raise a total of $2,200 for the Ronald McDonald House in Danville.
Wallace said she was invited by Ronald McDonald House, which has a facility on the campus of Geisinger Medical Center, to have her staff and campaign volunteers join her.
Proceeds from sales went to the "home-away-from-home" nonprofit facility that lets families stay close to their hospitalized child receiving medical treatment.
Wallace said she did it to introduce herself at the series, but was there primarily so that more families with sick children that can't afford hospital stays can have a safe and less costly place for their children to heal and get well.
Ronald McDonald House was looking for volunteers to help staff the concession stand.
"We thought it's a great cause at an event that I think showcases the 9th District and what we've got going on here," Wallace said.
Her campaign staff and volunteers, some of the volunteers from Williamsport, have been helping to get petition signatures for those who will help me with events together, outdoors or pure today to help me.
There were a lot of volunteers including Williamsport City Councilman Jonah Milliken and his wife, and members of the Wallace campaign and party loyalists.
Ronald McDonald House in Danville provides lodging such as comfortable, temporary housing near major children's hospitals, often free or for a very low suggested donation.
They also share kitchens, stock pantries, and volunteer-cooked meals so parents do not have to worry about food.
It is a community of other families going through similar medical crises, plus laundry facilities and quiet spaces to rest with on-site spaces inside hospitals where parents can nap, shower, or grab a snack without leaving the building.
The first house opened in Philadelphia in 1974 through inspiration from Fred Hill, a player for the Philadelphia Eagles, who had a daughter treated for leukemia. He and his wife saw other parents sleeping in hospital chairs and wanted a better option.
They teamed up with pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans and local McDonald's owner-operators, using funds from Shamrock Shake sales to buy the first house.
A new experience
"No, I haven't been here before but yesterday I went out for breakfast with my husband and we were watching the game," Wallace said.
She said she called her sister on the way to Williamsport. She lives outside Philadelphia and she is watching the games.
"It is something that you experience in your summer living here in Pennsylvania, but to actually be here and see where it's happening is really cool," Wallace said.
While in the area she went to some of her favorite spots and talked with small business owners.
She heard feedback from them how the series is a boost economically for them.
"We love how the rest of the world gets to come and see what a great city Williamsport is," Wallace said.
"Williamsport has a lot to offer. You can't pick a better time to come visit north central Pennsylvania then, this summer. It is gorgeous right now. The weather's been lovely and for people to come and see how great the businesses are, how wonderful the people are and just the hospitality is cool."
Wallace said she has seen such on the campaign trail but acknowledged it is "cool to see people from around the world experience this."