Ronald McDonald House Charities: Assisting Families in Crisis
Our superhero bracelets and masks can be sent to organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Over the past year, we’ve pivoted to bring volunteer events to employees who want to give back from the safety of their homes. It’s a big change from working with in-person groups, but it has helped us deepen our relationships with some nonprofit partners — like those that are often in need of items like boredom busters, blankets, STEM kits, and more — and helped us grow relationships with new partners.
One of the most popular nonprofits that we’ve worked with recently is Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides three core programs that enable, support, and facilitate family-centered care of sick children.
Ronald McDonald House Programs, which began in Philadelphia in 1974, provide safe places for family members to stay close to their hospitalized children. Located near top children’s hospitals, these 375+ houses ensure that patients’ family members can stay overnight in a comfortable, hotel-like accommodation without paying large bills. Additionally, Ronald McDonald Houses offer nutrition programs, educational programs for siblings, and activities.
The Ronald McDonald Houses’ benefits to those they serve are immeasurable. Studies have shown that families that stay in Ronald McDonald Houses are often those who have the sickest children and have traveled the farthest to receive care. Additionally, parents may sleep better and are better able to participate in their child’s care, whether they’re staying for one night or several months.
Ronald McDonald Family Rooms provide support to families in the hospital setting and often include a kitchen, private bathrooms, shower facilities, laundry facilities, and reading materials. These areas, which are staffed by volunteers, provide a break from the clinical environment, especially during high-stress moments, like when parents are awaiting test results.
The final program, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, brings fundamental medical and dental care to underserved communities. Working with clinical providers, the mobile unit provides health education to assist with the prevention of illness, provide treatment and services, and provide some specialty care as well. Services offered include wellness checks and developmental screenings; nutrition education; preventive dental care; immunizations; vision, hearing, and lead screenings; as well as school and sports physicals. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles operate in nine countries outside of the United States.
Although many Ronald McDonald House Charities’ onsite volunteer opportunities have been halted because of the pandemic, it’s still possible to support them through our At-Home Volunteer programs. Set up a meeting with one of our sales professionals today to learn more about the opportunities that we have available.