Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio

The Ronald McDonald House of San Antonio providesaccess to quality health care and enables family-centered carefor families with critically ill and injuredchildrenwho are being treated at various hospitals.

Volunteers are always needed. They assist with all aspects of Household operations, including office work, maintenance and upkeep, and interaction with the guests.

PREPARE DINNER FOR FAMILIES

Call any House to schedule a time for you or your group to prepare a meal for the families. On weekends, you may want to choose to prepare breakfast or lunch. This is wonderful fellowship for groups and families.

INVITE A SPEAKER TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

If your club or group would like more information about the House, a staff member will be happy to make a presentation.

PATROLS

COOKIE/ PASTRY PATROLS

Schedule a time to come to any of our locations to bake a batch or two of delicious cookies or your favorite cake or pastries.

FRUIT/VEGETABLE PATROL

This is great for those of you who have summer gardens. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always enjoyed. Nonperishable items are also needed.

On May 5, 1985, the first Ronald McDonald House opened in San Antonio and expanded to a 20 family home in 1991. On May 4, 1998, we became the sixth city in the United States to open the doors to a second 20 familyhome. On January 10, 2002 our third House was opened with accommodation for 10 families. This home is the first worldwide to be located within a hospital.Most recently, we have re-openedthishouse to a 16bedroom home located on the 4th floor of Childrens Hospital of San Antonio due to expansion and renovation.

Why is it needed?

Often a child with a diagnosed disease lives far from the hospital. This creates an especially stressful situation for parents, as they must cope not only with a seriously ill child, but also with the burden of being away from home for days, weeks, and sometimes months.

Before the Ronald McDonald House, the only lodging alternatives were lonely and expensive hotel rooms, or hospital cots. Finding themselves in a strange city, away from the crucial support of friends and relatives, many parents found this to be a desperately unhappy experience at a time when their child most needed their strength, and encouragement.

The Ronald McDonald House is a home for these families. The House gives them a place where they can break away from the hospital, yet be available at a moments notice. Just as important, it is a place where parents can meet and talk with other families who are experiencing some of the same fears and concerns, and establish a mutual support system so critically needed at this time.