The Ronald McDonald house is a non-profit organization that supports families’ financial burdens along with their childrens’ healthcare journey. It provides a “home away from home” when critically ill children (typically under the age of 21) need a serious and long term medical treatment, often far away from their home.

It provides temporary housing near hospitals so parents can be closer with their children and ease financial stress, allowing them to focus on their children’s health.

Alyssa, a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, shares, ”Volunteering was a lot of hard work but it was very rewarding in how it is great to know we helped the families during rough times.”

The Ronald McDonald house relieves financial stress by offering a place to stay with little or no cost by providing travel, housing, and food expenses.

In the previous year they helped families save $678 million in lodging and food expenses. They support communities throughout the world as they have 60+ locations across different countries and regions.

Reports show that families who stay at the Ronald McDonald house have more positive hospital experience and greater ability to participate in their child’s care.

They have a program called the Ronald McDonald Family room that gives a space for families to rest, eat, shower, and recharge during the day after a long day of treatment and testing. It allows families to rest and regroup away from the medical environment.

In South Florida, they also have a program called Hospitality A La Carte that provides morning smiles in the form of cookies, coffee, pastries, drinks and care kits for families of patients who are receiving treatment at Holtz Children’s Hospital, University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center, and Alex’s Place.

“It sounds like they really make an effort to bring comfort to the families and patients,” said junior Isabella Iamunno.

A partnership that has held a key role in delivering essential support is McDonald’s. Their service has helped families around the world since 1974. Their time, funds, and in-kind services have helped the organization expand the way it is today.

Whether through direct donations, in-kind services, or volunteering, McDonald’s has helped the organization help even more families.