Children are our pride and joy and we take their good health very seriously. But what if a child becomes severely ill or injured? The emotional strife can often overwhelm even the strongest family members and worse, the medical condition may require traveling out of town to a medical facility that specializes in a specific type of treatment. For those in this predicament, the thought of leaving the cozy confines of home and the support of others may be unbearable, but there is one charity that exists to help families in precisely this situation. That charity is Ronald McDonald House.
What is Ronald McDonald House Charities?:
Ronald McDonald House charities is a non- profit organization with an important mission. It seeks to offer comfort in a cozy, home- like environment for those families with critically ill or injured children who need to travel away from home for proper medical care. This non- profit organization is like a home away from home, with hotel- like accommodations for family members who need a safe, comfortable place to stay while they await their children’s care and recovery. It also offers college scholarships to students and often makes grants to other non- profit groups who share a similar child- advocacy mission.
Ronald McDonald House charities was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, right where its namesake company, McDonald’s fast food restaurants, is also headquartered. It has expanded far and wide since its founding and now has chapters across the United States and in more than 50 countries.
How Can I Get Involved?:
Ronald McDonald House charities exist in cities across the United States. Interested individuals can give money directly to their home center or to any one of the dozens of Ronald McDonald House charities chapters across the country. There is also a great need for volunteers to prepare food, listen to and counsel other families, and otherwise assist with general needs of operation. And, of course, you can donate your spare change the next time you visit a local McDonald’s restaurant. Just look for the donation boxes located at the drive through and elsewhere and offer your leftover coins and dollars.
In Summary:
Ronald McDonald House charities is an excellent charitable service that has helped thousands of families better cope with their emotional and other concerns when faced with a sick or injured child and medical uncertainty. Having to make a special trip far away from home is, of course, often necessary and the right thing to do, but no one wants to go it alone and spend days in a lonely hotel room. With Ronald McDonald House charities, families are in the company of people who care- people who are ready to share stories and otherwise help families cope with their child’s illness or injury while they await medical treatment.
Ronald McDonald House charities helps in other ways, too, and thousands of families have utilized the many helpful aspects of this non- profit group. The Houses offer a better means to communicate with medical personnel and a place where families can focus on health and each other. Meals and other essentials are prepared for guests and private bedrooms eliminate the need for spending excessively on lodging. Some Houses also include educational programs, recreational activities, sibling support services, and more.
No one wants to deal with the serious illness of a child, but these problems do happen and Ronald McDonald House charities are ready to help. The friendly, caring, home away from home atmosphere of a Ronald McDonald House makes them one of the many great charities for children’s health advocacy and one charity that Money Saving Parent supports and recommends.
Copyright 2012, Bryan Carey
