Ronald McDonald House of Dallas

01.17.12
You Make Christmas Possible for RMHD Families

Let's face it, the holiday season is stressful. Trying to get everything done -- the planning, the cooking, the shopping, the parties -- it's hard even in the best of circumstances.

Imagine being far from home with a seriously ill or injured child trying to focus on their healing during this hectic time of year. Balancing medical care and providing "Christmas" for their families is overwhelming, and for many, impossible.

We had a pretty full house the days leading up to Christmas through New Years, with 39 guest families here on Christmas Eve. We are grateful for the dozens of groups and hundreds of individuals who came together throughout December to make the season brighter for the children and families staying at RMHD during the holidays. The gift of your time and talents during a very difficult time in many familiesʼ lives will not soon be forgotten. Thank you to everyone involved!

Here's a quick look at how the House was transformed.

The House was beautifully decorated by Mersina Stubbs, Laura Rupp, Ellison Spak, Deb Casey who provided and set up the holiday decor throughout the great room and lobby of the House.

Southwest Airlines hung Christmas lights on the outside of the House, placed the enormous wreath over the fireplace, and set up and decorated Christmas trees in the dining room and all living areas.

During the 12 Days of Christmas, 70 families and 146 children received gifts from the Holiday Shop, which was completely stocked by your donated toys, games, blankets, books, make-up, and more.

Multiple Careers Magnet made and delivered 20 gorgeous, hand-crafted rocking horses for the holiday shop. 

A group from Department 56 set up these beautiful village scenes upstairs and down.

Chef Connie created and donated these wonderful gingerbread houses to brighten our dining room area.

Lawns of Dallas donated dozens of poinsettias that were placed throughout the House.

When families awoke on Christmas morning they found that stockings stuffed with gifts had been placed at their doors. SWA Flight Ops Training Center bought, stuffed, and donated 60 stockings, complete with $25 Target gift cards. 

A group from Beth Torah Congregation prepared and served Christmas dinner.

Santa came to visit on Christmas Eve after a wonderful meal provided by the Krueger and Philips families. Santa handed out gifts to 53 children and made it a wonderful evening.

Thank you to everyone involved!