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Learning through providing service
NP squads help families in time of need
For North Putnam girls’ basketball coach Jarrod Duff, the Ronald McDonald House in Indianapolis has special meaning.
“That place holds a special place in my heart,” Duff said. “When my youngest daughter [Ashton] was born nine weeks early, she was in Riley Hospital for the first seven weeks of her life.
“Her mom and I stayed at the RMH during that time and it truly a blessing.”
One of the often-overlooked aspects of such children needing specialized medical attention is the families of those children, and either their constant travel back-and-forth from their residences or their need for accommodations if conditions worsen, the weather is bad or they just don’t feel like they can leave.
Duff was an assistant coach last winter under current Cougar boys’ basketball coach Collin McCartt, and the pair started what they want to be a long-standing tradition when they prepared and served meals for the families staying at the RMH one night during the week leading up to Christmas.
“Coach McCartt and I decided to do it last year with the boys and we decided to take the boys and girls this year,” Duff said. “Going to the Ronald McDonald House was a great opportunity for our girls and boys to experience what Servant Leadership is.”
Duff and McCartt used the experience to impart upon their players how many people are in even more difficult situations than they might be.
“I tell kids all the time that no matter how hard things are for them, there are plenty of people who would trade their problems for our problems,” Duff said. “The families staying at the RMH are examples of people going through really tough times. For us to be able to help out by providing dinner for them is a great thing.”
