We're Fortunate!

We consider ourselves very fortunate at the Ronald McDonald House. Consistently, we see our needs met and our wishes granted. We have learned that generosity is an amazing gift.

This week, we will see that generosity put to the test. Our calendar if full of events around the state. We have grape stomping, motorcycle riding, golfing, and baseball all within two days of one another. It's tiring just thinking about it! But it's also quite exciting knowing that the businesses and organizations helping with these events believe in us and our families. It's also amazing knowing that people who wouldn't have to show up will just to help us help more families.

It's no secret that these events are set up to raise money. But in the case of the houses, it's more than money. It's necessities. When families come to stay with us, we provide everything—food, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, sheets, blankets. We've even provided clothing to families who didn't plan a hospital stay into their day. Our job is to accommodate the families of sick or injured children, and we take it seriously.

Often, we get families who have just stepped off a helicopter. Their critically ill child is in the hospital, and the parents have nothing with them but the clothes they are wearing. Other family is coming, but it may be hours or days before their arrival. They have no food, transportation, or clothing. That is where we step in. We give them a safe, secure place to stay that is only steps away from their kiddo. We provide them with food from the pantry. And, a change of clothes. We also give them soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and a toothbrush because we can.

Our ability to help comes from our great supporters--the individuals, businesses, and organizations who make this a home. We are truly grateful to every one of them. They are the reason we continue to cram our calendar and make ourselves crazy. Yes, it's hectic. But we love every minute of it! Without the chaos, there wouldn't be the sort of generosity that we get to experience everyday. So we'll just drink a few more cups of cappuccino and be glad that people care.