Water toys and smiles. Arts & crafts and family time. Music and joy.

These are just a few of the ways this summer YOU have helped create this special place called the Ronald McDonald House. During an otherwise difficult time for kids who are sick, you have helped fill their days and their lives with new friends, a lot of laughter, and a place to call home.

Dalio is the sweetest young boy who on a June day spent hours playing in the sprinklers. For that afternoon, he didn’t have to worry about his new baby brother who was born prematurely. His mom and dad could watch him be a kid and have some fun.

The Griffits kids and the Maples kids became the best of friends while their families cared for their siblings who needed some special attention. They turned the kitchen into craft central – organizing painting and pottery sessions that kept everyone active and engaged. Most afternoons were filled with a chorus of the Disney soundtrack of the day, specially crafted by these confident sopranos – no background music necessary.

Four-year-old Amaya got involved too. Then her parents volunteered to cook dinner for the whole House one night. You could tell that meal time was important to this family. We noticed they thanked each and every volunteer Chef for a Day group every day.

When the the House is busy, this special magic happens. Your support as a volunteer or a donor means that, not only do the doors of the House stay open to welcome each new guest, but those guests have the emotional and physical resources they need to stengthen each other.

Thanks for giving them the most precious gifts of time, love, and togetherness.