Missouri REALTORS® are so much more than just real estate professionals. They dedicate their time to serving on school boards and running for elected positions. They educate, serve on panels, volunteer and facilitate industry discussions. Their philanthropic efforts are inspiring, and the difference they are making within their communities is significant. Our Member Spotlight series highlights these efforts and introduces some of our wonderful members.
This month, we are shining the Member Spotlight on Doug Howell.
Doug Howell, from Keller Williams Realty West, embodies the essence of selflessness and volunteerism. Beyond his hard work and dedication to the real estate industry, Doug has contributed endless hours to St. Louis families in need of extra support.
The bulk of Doug’s volunteer work is with the St. Louis Children’s Hospital in the HemOnc Clinic. Doug spends one day a week there playing with children, supporting families and lending a hand to the hospital staff. In 2018, he was presented with the Starfish Award, a recognition of the contributions and impact that volunteers contribute to a Superior Patient Experience.
His impact on the patients and their families at St. Louis Children’s Hospital is undeniable. When parents are busy or in need of a break, Doug is ready to listen and steps in to help. He plays with the kids and rocks the babies, letting moms and dads step away and take a moment for themselves. St. Louis Children’s hospital workers have described him as pleasant, energetic and engaging. Doug meets the kids where they’re at and makes sure that everyone is having fun and participating in an activity. He’s so beloved that patients and families now ask for him by name.
Doug has also had a tremendous impact on the hospital staff. He helps stock items, clean toys, gather donations and collect food deliveries. This frees up staff to focus on the medical needs of their patients while ensuring that comfort items are available and accessible for the kids and their families. He’s also trained a number of new volunteers and serves as a role model and resource for anyone who has questions. St. Louis Children’s Hospital staff expressed their profound gratitude for his consistent support.
Volunteering initiatives have been suspended at the hospital due to COVID-19, but according to Doug, “The moment they let us go back, I'll be the first one there. I truly miss it and feel like a big piece of my life is missing.”
We celebrate Doug Howell for the number of lives he’s touched as a St. Louis Children’s Hospital volunteer and as a Missouri REALTOR®.