Your Feel Good Friday News

When it comes to inspiring others to support the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown, Danielle Shearer is the person to do it. From her work to her home, her compassion to bring comfort to families in need is contagious.

It was a companywide initiative to encourage community giving that first brought Danielle Shearer to the Ronald McDonald House. Working at Howard Hanna Insurance Services, Danielle teamed up on the project with a coworker who was familiar with the mission of the Charity. Inspired by what her coworker told her about her own experience, she was immediately on board to help. Their first undertaking was to prepare a meal for the families. It was also the first time Danielle was at the Ronald McDonald House.

“That day, I felt overwhelmed,” said Danielle. “You go through your day with everything okay for you and your family but there are lots of other families in a different situation. You don’t even realize it. I knew then this was something I wanted to be a part of.”

And without a doubt, she has been. Since 2018, Danielle has rallied an extremely enthusiastic group of coworkers to support the Charity in many ways including preparing meals, decorating the family room doors, hosting bake and decorate activities and filling welcome bags. During the pandemic, when meals could not be made at the Houses, she organized a raffle to support the Charity’s meal program. Moreover, she represents the organization on the Red Shoe Ball committee, procuring sponsorships, auction items and volunteers for the event.

In 2021 and 2023, the volunteer work of Howard Hanna Insurance Services for RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown was recognized and selected for the Make More Happen Award. To celebrate the award, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance made a $10,000 donation to the Charity in Howard Hanna Insurance Services’ honor.

It didn’t take long for Danielle’s passion for helping at the House to catch on at home as well. When her children, Francis, Clare-Marie and Iggy asked if they could hold a lemonade stand in their neighborhood, they were excited to donate the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House. Four years later, the sibling group continues this charitable endeavor. They have fun making posters, shopping for ingredients and hand-delivering the donation each year. Iggy also likes to wear his Halloween costumes on the day of the fundraiser to attract more customers.

“My prayer for them is that when they are older, they remember the best way to take care of yourself is to take care of other people,” said Danielle.

Additionally, she and her husband spend time cleaning at the House, helping to make it a home for those staying there.

“It’s something we can do together to help others,” said Danielle.

Danielle’s desire to help at the Charity has ignited a spirit of service in others. What started as a single volunteer opportunity is now a mission of the heart for Danielle, her coworkers and her family, making the Ronald McDonald House even more special for families.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown