Nothing will put things into perspective and have you appreciating what you have, like a trip to the Ronald McDonald House.
If you've ever wondered what the RMHC houses are like inside, Aaron and Katie got the chance to check out the St. Pete East House yesterday. Take a look inside!
Their mission and purpose is to keep families close, by providing a temporary home to pediatric families of hospitalized children from all over the world, completely free of charge.
This allows families to remain close to the facility that their children are at, and gives them a free place to stay, with all the essentials available for the family to use, including meals.
This place truly is incredible. As soon as you walk into the building, you are immediately reminded just how little your problems are.
The RMHC relies mostly on the community and their mission partner McDonald's for funding, from several different outlets.
The rely strongly on their relationship with the community and several organizations, like Maus Nissan for both donations and volunteering!
Other organizations such as Coca Cola and Tempur Pedic also help keep these incredible houses on their feet!
Coca Cola, who supplies not only free Coca Cola vending machines, that they refill at any time, but they also allow RMHC to keep all the funds from the products. (Which are only .50)
Also Tempur Pedic, who donate new (and very comfortable) mattresses to the homes every single year!
The RMHC definitely finds the cutest ways to decorate those comfortable donated beds too!
Everyone that works at these homes does their very best the familie's stay there as stress free as possible, by making everything they could possibly need available to them.
From fresh meals each night, which are prepared on site by several different chefs from around Tampa Bay who donate their time and skills to the Ronald McDonald Houses.
Last night, Raymond James Stadium was coming out to cook for the families!
The kitchens are also open to use ANY time for any families that may need access to them.
Aside from the fresh meals, there are so many places in the homes for children to play and enjoy themselves. The Ronald McDonald Houses want all the children, being treated or not to just feel like kids and enjoy life. They truly do their best to make this happen, by offering so many activities for the children and families. From multiple play areas to kid yoga, they've got all aspects covered!
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They've even got activities for those families who may have some extra time to venture out and want to take their families out on the town. Whether they want to head to the aquarium or get out to a Rays game, they usually always have something to offer. Yesterday afternoon, there were 8 Rays tickets left for last night's game! Again, this is all thanks to donations and incredible organizations!
There truly is no other place like the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Thanks to the community and the help of countless organizations, these families are able to focus on the care for their children, without any other worries.
RMHC doesn't even discuss anything financial with the families. All they focus on is keeping the families comfortable and safe.
YOU can help keep the RMHC going, too
You can Donate Here or follow Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay on Facebook and keep up with their 'Wishlist Wednesday,' where they ask the community for help with some items they may need. From dryer sheets to plates, you can help make a difference!
You can also donate your time! Volunteer HERE and get a chance to work with the incredible families!
Get involved!
Learn more at https://rmhctampabay.org/