Ronald McDonald House of Dallas

10.05.10
Little Things Help Make a House a Home

Each of our guest families is experiencing unique personal circumstances but you can be sure that when they arrive at the Ronald McDonald House they all have something in common. They are all concerned and caring for a seriously sick or injured child.

Some families are here for routine checkups while others find themselves here unexpectedly due to an emergency situation. Some families are here for months and others for a day or two. We don’t always know how many guests will be staying or for how long. But regardless of the situation or length of stay, it’s an important part of our mission that every family feels like the House is their home.

Our generous volunteers are what make that possible. It takes hundreds of volunteers to assist our families with the everyday details of their life so they don’t have to focus on anything except their child. Every day our guests receive three meals a day planned and prepared by community volunteer cooking groups. Several evenings a week individual volunteers donate their time and talents by hosting family activity nights that are fun for the whole family. Generous donors provide tickets to area attractions giving families a break from the monotony of daily medical treatment.

Many of our guests have commented that there’s a sense of normalcy at the Ronald McDonald House. During a time when their lives are anything but routine, many find it comforting to make their beds and take out their trash – just like they would at their own homes. But even with families and volunteers helping out where they can, it’s a challenge to maintain the clean, sterile environment needed by our guests. With 52 guest rooms and six transplant apartments, all with 2 queen beds and private baths, we are fortunate to have Signature Garment Care and Linen Service to help with our daunting laundering needs.

Each week, Signature picks up bins of dirty linens and towels and returns them washed, ironed, and folded. Being one of our largest housekeeping items, this contribution is crucial to ensuring smooth House operations. And although this act of service happens behind-the-scenes, guest families receive the highest level of comfort because of it. We are so thankful to Signature for helping provide fresh, clean, comfortable beds to families who have traveled a long way, under difficult circumstances and so badly need rest.

Click here to see more of our wonderful corporate donors.