Last week I attended the “Lunch & Learn” event at the Ronald McDonald House here in Sacramento that has me wanting to share. I was one of those that have heard of the Ronald McDonald House but never really much about it. After taking a tour, going behind the scenes and learning how the charity works, I had to create this post to share 5 things that you probably didn’t know about Ronald McDonald House Charities.
#1 The Ronald McDonald House provides temporary housing for families who must travel at least 30 miles to seek medical treatment for their child. With the Sacramento Ronald McDonald House being near Shriners Hospitals for Children and four other Sacramento-area hospitals, there is a great need for housing. The Sacramento Ronald McDonald House features 40 guest rooms and maintains a 96% average occupancy every night.
#2 The Ronald McDonald House provides housing to more than just mom and dad! The Sacramento Ronald McDonald House allows up to four family members that can stay in the room that can include brothers, sisters or any other family member that can offer support for the child. Families also have access to their own pantry/refrigerator and kitchen area to prepare meals together, laundry facilities, game room, living room areas, outdoor bbq area and more!
#3 The Ronald McDonald House Charities is NOT fully funded by McDonald’s! Each Ronald McDonald House is a success with the help of its community donations, corporate support and all of the wonderful volunteers that want to help make a difference. McDonald’s does make donations but not as much as you may think. McDonald’s a penny per Happy Meal sold which may not sound like a lot but think of how many Happy Meals are actually sold everyday. You will also find the RMHC Donation Boxes at many locations that also offer the community another way to donate.
#4 There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for those that want to make a difference. If you want to give some of your time to helping to make a difference is someone’s life, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities available that include short term, long term and no term. At the Sacramento Ronald McDonald House there are volunteers that make cookies daily for the families which would be a fun way to volunteer your time!
#5 You can DONATE items to your local Ronald McDonald House that are in need right now. The Sacramento Ronald McDonald House has a link to their wish list on their website which makes it easy for wanting the community go help. You can also call to see what items that are needed as well if you want to stop by with your donation.
I had no idea. So glad you shared more about Ronald McDonald House charities! I completely forgot about this charity as it isn’t advertised as much as it used to be, like when I was a kid.
I actually did know a lot of this, but we did a few service projects at the local RMH when I was in high school for a club. We would bring food and serve it to the families staying there. It’s such a wonderful organization!
I had no idea that RMH accepted donations of this kind. I could have donated so much over the years!
That’s so great to hear. We always donate to them as much as we can. I think this is great that they’re helping out so much.
Thank you for sharing all of the things that the Ronald McDonald House accepts as donations. We have never had to use one but we have family that have.
I am so glad that I came across this. Since childhood I live with chronic health conditions and I know how expensive as well as tiring it is to travel far away places for treatment. This organization is doing such a great work. I would love to donate for this cause. Your post put a smile on my face.
This is great to know about it! I love the idea of a wish list! It’s much easier!
This is really amazing! I had no idea they do a lot of charities for families! Awesome!
This is an awesome thing to know. I had no idea that RMH did that.
I had no idea that RMH was behind that! And yes, absolutely, cookies do make the world go round 😉
I have so many friends that have received assistance from Ronald McDonald house. I think it is such a good charity to support.
I didn’t know you could make donations of items to Ronald McDonald House. I will have to look up the one closest to me to see what they need.
Thank you for sharing the information on how to help and what they need at the RMH. I will get the kids to donate some of the essential stuff. It is just a small gesture, however, collective efforts of many individuals would go a long way.
This is amazing! I’d love to volunteer is possible or donate some things in there.
Ronald McDonald house is such a blessing to so many families! I have volunteered with them and it makes me so thankful for what they do.
The Ronald McDonald House charity is by far one of my favorites. I had no idea I could donate items! I will definitely start doing so!
Such a stunning place! I am glad to know all 5 things you’ve shared to us. I am so impressed on this blog.
What the Ronald McDonald House is doing is amazing. So much good information for a wonderful cause.
This is such great info. Ronald Mc Donald House is a great charity that I really knew so little about. Thanks for the info.
very interesting! actually the design firm i used to work at did a garden design for a mcdonald house!