(Information provided by Cheryl Mitchell)

On June 14, 2025, members of the St. Petersburg (Florida) lodge rolled up their sleeves and made theosophy practical by providing a meal for families of children receiving hospital care for serious illnesses.  Lodge Vice President Cheryl Mitchell reports that the taco dinner they provided was a great success, adding, “And what a blessing to be of service to others!”

Lodge members Paula Sullins, Cheryl Mitchell, Cathy Baker, and Joyful Blakely (pictured below) gathered donations from lodge members, purchased the food, then prepared and served a delicious taco dinner to families staying at the Central Ronald McDonald House in All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg, FL).  The project was a natural for this group, since Paula works at the House and is familiar with the charity’s work and its needs. 

Since 1980, Ronald McDonald House Charities (“RMHC”) of Tampa Bay has provided essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare at a facility in another city. The core of their mission is maintaining housing facilities, such as the Central House in All Children's Hospital, which serve as a comfortable home away from home for families of children receiving treatment.

Everyone had a great time preparing the meal and supporting this most worthwhile charity which needs continual support from the community.  The St. Petersburg lodge members look forward to continuing to help these families with future meals and donation of needed supplies.

Members have set up a separate donation collection for RMHC at each meeting, all of which will be used to help support RMHC. Lodge members are encouraged to bring new items for donation, such as bleach, T-shirts, small plush toys, children's books, zip-loc bags, and packaged snacks.  Paula and Cheryl manage the collections and will ensure the donated items are delivered to the House.

The St. Petersburg lodge is grateful for this and future opportunities to be of service and support their community.

St. Petersburg Lodge TS/TOS members L-R: Cathy Baker, Cheryl Mitchell, Paula Sullins, Joyful Blakely pictured below.