Ronald McDonald House Charities

This wonderful House provides a calming, safe, and comfortable stay for families of children receiving hospital care

Children. Healthy, happy children are all a parent wishes for. But for some children, they spend more time in and out of hospitals and treatment centers than they do playing with their friends.
When it came time to decide what to review for my 1000^th review the answer was clear. Review something meaningful. Something that might help others. Something that has helped improve the lives of families and children for over 35 years. That something? Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)
At the cornerstone of this charity are three things: Ronald McDonald Houses (homes away from home for families of sick children), Ronald McDonald Family Rooms (rooms in hospitals that allow families a little quiet time together) and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles that bring health care and dental to children who would have never received it other wise.
I have volunteered at Ronald McDonald Houses throughout the years– helping families deal with some of the toughest issues they will ever have to face. And you can be assured that it puts your life and priorities in perspective to see a toddler bravely undergoing that next round of chemo without a whimper. Makes anyone’s life problems seem insignificant.
I have also been the president of the Board of Directors of a local RMHC chapter that gives financial grants to other not for profit children’s organizations that help children lead better lives. The joy I have known in helping build new Ronald McDonald Houses, teach children a new skill, marvel with little ones at the magic of a summer’s eve, laugh at the antics of kids with a new playground, all things that couldn’t be done without this amazing charity.
Interestingly enough– some people think that McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald House Charities are one in the same. And nothing could be further from the truth. RMHC has been the charity of choice for McDonald’s for over 35 years and is the largest donor to the charity– but because these chapters are locally based, the funding to support it comes through the local communities. And especially in these tough economic times, not for profits need everyone to take a minute to help out in any way they can.
The stories on the RMHC website can tell all the good that this charity does far better than I can. Most bring tears to my eyes for the joy and pain that these families go through each and every day.
Children. They are our future. And today their lives are better because of a caring not for profit that is named after a famous clown. Ronald McDonald House Charities give inspiration and encouragement to families everywhere. And I think it’s certainly deserving of review number 1000.