Hope Lodge

This is one of my family’s favorite charities. Two ways we have donated; money and volunteering.
My mom and dad stayed here during his fight with cancer and is his chosen charity. We met some amazing people and shared some highs and lows. Each had a story and I am glad I met them.
This place is a home away from home for cancer patients while receiving treatments at various hospitals in the area. They do not pick any specific cancer either so if you are an elitist that only gives to one type, sorry. To live here the patients must have a long commute and have multiple treatments.
The patient and one caregiver are given a free room with two beds and a full bathroom. On the first level is shared areas with a community kitchen.
Every dollar given to Hope Lodge of St. Louis goes towards upkeep of the facility so they can continue to help patients.
The other way my family or organizations we are involved with has helped is by making a meal for the whole place. Most patients make their own meals. (Remember they are here and not home or at work.)
This is not a small undertaking because you need to cook a nutritious meal of 40 – 50 people. Plus, choose to have some diversity in the taste because the treatments kill taste buds. (The satisfaction on someone’s face when they recognize a flavor is amazing.) If you choose this please have a trained cook or nutritionist to lead you and remember that clean-​up is also visitation time.
If you own a business try and donate what you can. This is one way you can directlly help those in need.