An inspiring group of friends in the northern suburbs, known as “the Spice Girls,” is giving back to families in need in the spirit of National Volunteer Month.
The women often cook meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.
“We did have one dad who was a little disappointed that we weren’t the real ‘Spice Girls,’” said Jane Connolly.
The ladies cook meals every other month to help take some of the stress off families; they’ve been doing it for years.
“Most of us are empty nesters ourselves,” said Cindy Fish. “So, our kids have flown the coop, and we can help these kids out. We love to give back.”
In 2025, Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland provided over 140,000 meals, helping to ease the financial and mental burden for families with ill or injured children.
“They’re a great group, and they themed it up, which is super fun, and just have a great time supporting our families,” said Lisa Mitchell with Ronald McDonald House Charities. “At Ronald McDonald House we do our best to make it feel as much like home as it possibly can be for families that don’t have the choice to be at their own home.”
