March 29, 2024

McDonald’s customers give needed donations

More than 2,000 items were collected from McDonald’s locations across central Iowa throughout the holiday season as part of Ronald McDonald House of Des Moines’ Giving Tree. McDonald’s customers were encouraged to take an ornament from individual stores’ tree that included an item of need and return with a donation for families staying at the Des Moines location. The facility provides a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment in area hospitals, at no cost for as long as the need exists. It has served more than 13,000 families from across the state since opening in 1981.

Participating store locations included Algona, Altoona, Ames, Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Centerville, Clive, Colfax, Creston, Des Moines, Fairfield, Fort Dodge, Grimes, Grinnell, Hampton, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Johnston, Knoxville, Marshalltown, Nevada, Newton, Norwalk, Osceola, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Pella, Perry, Pleasant Hill, Story City, Stuart, Urbandale, Waukee, Webster City and West Des Moines.

Items ranged from premature baby clothes to laundry detergent, boxed meals to gift cards, and 2,134 items were tallied in total for the drive.

About RMHC

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa (RMHC), a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation provides and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. The core services are the Ronald McDonald House in downtown Des Moines and the Ronald McDonald Family Room located inside Des Moines' Mercy Hospital. These facilities provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment in area hospitals. Each year, RMHC provides lodging and meals to more than 700 families from 73 counties throughout central Iowa. Families can stay at no cost for as long as their need exists. All RMHC-supported programs provide access to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information on Ronald McDonald House of Des Moines, visit www.rmhdesmoines.org, or follow RMHC on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.