Oct 12, 2011
Recently, I volunteered at the wonderful Ronald McDonald House. This place was full of energy, which you could probably suspect just passing by the beautiful yellow house on Canal Street.
What is Ronald McDonald House?
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. The Ronald McDonald House provides a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at area hospitals. The place is affordable, comfortable, convenient and provide a supportive atmosphere. There are now 285 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide in 31 countries, 133 Family Rooms in 15 countries and 35 Care Mobiles in 6 countries. The New Orleans Ronald McDonald House opened December 10, 1983, just nine years after the first House opened. The New Orleans House was the 53rd Ronald McDonald House in the country. The New Orleans Ronald McDonald House has 15 private guest bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area, two laundry rooms, three TV rooms, and two playrooms. Guests at the House are asked to donate $10 per night, but the actual cost is about $65 per family, per night. The House depends on generous donations of time, talent, products, services, and funds from individuals, businesses, churches and synagogues, civic organizations, service clubs and schools for its support. On average, 85 families stay at the House each month. The New Orleans Ronald McDonald House has been home to families from 5 different countries, 38 different states, and 63 out of 64 parishes in Louisiana.
My Experience
While at Ronald McDonald House, I learned all about it and their great work. Most importantly learning about the relationships they build with the families. Me and my group helped in cleaning of the house including cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, organizing the pantry and I helped in cleaning the kitchen. Not only was it a chance to help the families but get to know new people. It was truly a great experience! We also brought in desserts for their dessert program. My group brought in brownies (I baked myself!), praline, cookies, and fruit. I was happy to see the kids enjoying. If you can volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, please do. How to Help!
- Collect Pop Tabs: Can tabs help fuel the vans at Ronald McDonald House.
- Family Dinner Program: Cook Dinner for 30-35 people.
- Dessert Program: Donations of sweet treats for the house.
- Housekeeping Program: Help clean the house for the family.
- House Wish List: Bring food items, guest personal items,household products, and toys to stock the house.