New 'Happy Wheels' program needs volunteers

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — McDonald's has Happy Meals. And soon, the Ronald McDonald House here in Corpus Christi will have "Happy Wheels."
It's a new program that will provide families with cheer and comfort while waiting at the hospital.
The Happy Wheels Hospitality Cart will provide snacks, blankets, activities and other comforting goodies for free.
"It's a really cool little cart," Michelle Horine, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi executive director said. "It opens up and has lots of different compartments. It kind of looks like a little Ronald McDonald House on wheels."
But in order to get these wheels rolling, they need your help.
"If we could push the cart seven days a week that tells you how many volunteers we would need," Horine said. "But right now we are looking at two-hour shifts in the morning and the afternoon, three days a week."
The Happy Wheel Hospitality Cart has been around nationwide, but this November the cart filled with goodies will make its debut in at Bay Area Hospital.
"Many families face long days at the hospital," Bay Area Assistant Administrator Tosha James said. "Complimentary programs such as the cart are making our patients and visitors feel welcome and help to make their day a little easier."
The program will focus on those families in the waiting room.
"Unless you're going to see a brand new baby for the first time," Horine said. "Hospitals aren't always are favorite place to be. So this will give them a little cheer and comfort."
Horine said the position is perfect for people who enjoy bringing cheer and comfort to others. Horine said the cart's supplies will be fully funded for the first year.
"I don't think that we can have too many volunteers," she said. "The more we have the stronger the program can be."
Volunteers must be 18 and older and go through a background check.
CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE HAPPY WHEEL HOSPITALITY CART