Ronald McDonald House of Houston supports families in their time of need
Imagine having to spend night and day in hospital lounges or hotels away from family, and in many instances, in an unfamiliar city. For many parents whose children are being treated for serious illnesses, this is an overwhelming reality. Since its opening in 1981, Ronald McDonald House of Houston has offered a home away from home to families with children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening conditions at Texas Children’s Hospital or another Texas Medical Center institution.
Ronald McDonald House of Houston provides a 50-bedroom, three-story brick home near the medical center to families who have traveled to Houston for their children’s care. The Holcombe House holds eight kitchens, a dining room, laundry room, playrooms and even a one-room school. Additionally, there is a house within Texas Children’s Hospital’s Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit with a large kitchen and living area, private room and 20 nap rooms with private baths.
Support the house
Formed in 1985, Friends of Ronald McDonald House of Houston are volunteers that organize five holiday parties each year. By raising funds through their dues, the Friends have given more than $250,000 to Ronald McDonald House. In addition, the Young Friends of the Ronald McDonald House is an organization of young professionals that provide monthly meals and activities, such as visits to the zoo, for the families of the house. They also raise funds through the annual Skeet Shoot event and the popular Oscar Night America. Since its 1991 inception, Young Friends has raised funds to build a playground and pavilion, remodel the game room at the Holcombe House, as well as contributed more than $400,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of Houston.
Programs
In the last six years, the Pull Tab recycling program has become a popular way to get involved with Ronald McDonald House and raises about $3,500 annually. Something as simple as recycling an aluminum can tab generates money for the family food pantry, cleaning supplies and transportation to and from the Texas Medical Center. Anyone can participate by collecting tabs and either dropping them off or mailing them to the Holcombe House.
Providing a nurturing environment for families of seriously-ill children, Ronald McDonald House of Houston continues to be a haven and place of hope. Symbolic of the loveable clown for whom it is named and with the continued assistance from volunteers, Ronald McDonald House will carry on its commitment of bringing happiness to all children.
Ronald McDonald House of Houston
1907 Holcombe Blvd.
(713) 795-3500
www.rmhhouston.org
