When you think of McDonald’s you may think of a quick way to
grab dinner on a busy night while running your children around to their various
activities. But there is another side to
McDonald’s you hopefully do not know about.
It is the part of the corporation that runs the Ronald McDonald Houses
and Family Rooms at area children’s hospitals.
Maybe you have had to use these services for your child, maybe you know
a friend or family member who has had to use those services, or maybe you are
fortunate and have never even thought about the Ronald McDonald Houses and
Family Rooms. Last year, we at Peine
Ridge all became familiar with the comfort and support provided by the Ronald
McDonald House Charity of Greater St. Louis.
One of our own teachers, Mrs. Youngberg found that she needed the
services when her son Easton was born with multiple medical needs. She has graciously offered to share her story
and explain why we are raising donations
for RMHC this February.
As you may or may not know, my second son-Easton,
was born this past April with many medical conditions (‘like’ his Facebook
page, called “Easton’s Journey” for more information). Due to his needs we've spent numerous hours, days, and weeks at St. Louis Children’s hospital-where
there is a Ronald McDonald Family Room. The Ronald McDonald room was especially
helpful in the beginning days when Easton was first transferred to the
hospital. We weren't prepared to be staying the night in the hospital and our
resources were limited because with Easton in the NICU he didn’t have his own room.
Being able to take a shower in the Ronald Room was more comforting (and
cleaner) than using the common floor’s parent lounge shower and being able to
do laundry if needed was another “like home” commodity. But probably the most
comforting thing about the Ronald McDonald Family Room was the fact that we
could briefly “get away” from the stress of the hospital and take a few moments
for ourselves. Walking in to a smiling volunteer, a freshly baked cookie, free
snacks & drinks, a computer to use,
a private room, or games to play with Caden (our 3 year old): all of these
things and more is what, now looking back, helped to turn a stressful and
worrisome situation a little more calm and comforting.
Some supplies that,
in my opinion, are used the most:
- travel size shampoo/conditioner,
- travel size body soap,
- travel size toothpaste,
- toothbrushes,
- travel size deodorant,
- disposable razors,
- laundry detergent any kind -(Dreft for the NICU babies!),
- dishwasher detergent,
- individual packaged snacks (kid friendly ones too),
- simple & easy-to-cook meals (easy mac, Ramen noodles, soups),
- individual snacks,
- disinfectant wipe
- coloring books & crayons,
- simple games for children
We will be collecting
supplies to support the Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Rooms in St. Louis
throughout the month of February.
We
will send you weekly updates and lists with needed supplies, how much we have
collected and how we are using this project for Character Development with the
students. Peine Ridge is a family, a
community, and a support system for all of those
who live, work, or attends school in our
community. Thank you for supporting our
efforts this February. For more information
about RMHC go to http://www.rmhcstl.com/
for stories and expanded wish lists.
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| This sweet little man is Easton and his smile will brighten anyone's day. Please help support the Ronald McDonald House Charities by donating to the Peine Ridge Elementary Community Service Project. RMHC took care of mom and dad while they took care of me me! Thank you.
To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater St. Louis watch this short video clip of how your donations help St. Louis families of critically ill children.
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