On Friday, June 12, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Officer Development Class 23 and Class 24 teamed up with Little Smiles to bring huge smiles to the families at the Quantum House.
The Officer Development Academy is a group of Palm Beach County firefighters participating in an officers’ class to prepare them for the rank of captain.
They decided to make the most of their time together by volunteering in the community through the Quantum House’s Chef for a Day program.
They cooked a delicious meal and served families spending their day by their child’s side as they face daunting medical treatments.
Wanting to go one step further and make it a night to remember, the group reached out to Little Smiles, a nonprofit helping children in local hospitals, hospices and shelters escape their unfortunate circumstances, to bring gifts to the children staying at the house.
“Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue does so much for our community,” said Megan Lewis, outreach coordinator at the Quantum House. “We really appreciate the time they take out of their busy lives to give back to our children and families by participating in our programs. There are always smiles from our kids when they come to our home.”
This isn’t the first time the firefighting community has donated time and talent to the Quantum House. Firefighters have volunteered at the Quantum House concession stands at the Honda Classic, played a crucial role in the annual Butch Smith Poker Classic Tournament and have been back-to-back participants in the Learn and Play Thursday program each summer at the Quantum House.
The Quantum House is a caring and supportive home that lessens the burden for families whose children are receiving treatment in Palm Beach County for a serious medical condition.
The 10-suite hospital hospitality house provides lodging, meals, care and compassion to more than 500 family members each year.
For more than 13 years, the Quantum House has been the only facility of its kind between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. For more info., visit www.quantumhouse.org.
ABOVE: Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue members spend quality time with residents of the Quantum House.
