Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego: Support & Care

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego offers a comforting refuge for families with children undergoing hospital treatment. They provide accommodations and meals so families can focus entirely on their child’s care.

In essence, the Ronald McDonald House serves as a comforting “home away from home. “Ronald McDonald House Charities brand enjoys global recognition and respect for its commitment to supporting children and families by improving access to healthcare.

Fifty years ago, what began as a single Ronald McDonald House Charities has now expanded into a global network with over 1,000 programs across 62 countries and regions.

From Curaçao to South Africa, Ronald McDonald House Charities is committed to meeting the needs of local communities, ensuring families can access the care their children require.

Our Vision

To provide a welcoming and convenient home base where families may take care of their basic needs so they can better focus on what really matters: caring for their critically ill or injured child.

Our Impact

Thanks to an active volunteer program and generous community support, each year approximately:

1,300 families reside with us during their child’s hospitalization
11,000 additional people use our Family Care Center, coming for meals, computer access, and other essential resources
130,000 meals are served free of charge to family members with hospital identification
200 siblings of hospitalized children take part in education and enrichment programs, including the onsite School Away from School.

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History & Mission

In 1974, the Ronald McDonald House program was initiated in Philadelphia. This compassionate endeavor was inspired by Kim Hill, the three-year-old daughter of Fred Hill, a tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, who was battling leukemia. Rather than leaving her side, Hill and his wife Fran spent their nights sleeping on hospital chairs.

Together with his teammates, they gather funds to support other families facing similar emotional and financial challenges as his own. Ronald McDonald Houses serve as a sanctuary for families with critically ill children, offering them a comfortable place to stay near essential medical facilities.

These homes are equipped with cozy rooms, designed to emulate a homely atmosphere, allowing families to focus on the most important aspect—their child’s health. Typically, each room includes snug beds, personal storage, and occasionally a small kitchenette, enabling families to prepare meals and spend quality time together.

Besides private accommodations, there are communal areas available for relaxation and socializing, fostering a sense of community among families facing similar challenges. The thoughtful design of these spaces is intended to create an environment that encourages comfort and healing, with decor and amenities specifically catering to the needs of families in distress.

Ronald McDonald Houses go beyond being just a place to sleep, often providing additional services such as laundry facilities, play areas, and activities for siblings, helping families to unwind during tough times. These establishments thrive on generous donations and volunteer efforts that help maintain the house and enhance the experience for the families residing there.

Staying at a Ronald McDonald House can relieve stress and alleviate financial burdens, allowing families to concentrate on their child’s health. Essential in fostering emotional support, Ronald McDonald Houses play a crucial role in the well-being of families during some of their toughest moments.

To join the Ronald McDonald House Charities in San Diego, you’ll need to be placed on a waitlist. The social services department at the hospital where your child is receiving treatment can help get you started.

Once the referral is submitted, the Ronald McDonald House staff will contact you to confirm your placement and inform you if a room is available. For any questions, you can reach out to guest services. The mission of these houses extends beyond providing lodging; it’s about nurturing a supportive community where families can rely on each other.

Return on Investment

We are able to have a tremendous impact on the lives of families, impacting the whole community.

Hospitalized children: Children heal faster when families are near.
Families: Parents and healthy siblings can manage challenges better when residing together.
Pediatric Medicine: Hospitals require parents to be present for treatments. By housing parents, we help to make long-term and advanced treatments for children possible.
Residents of Southern California: We can all feel assured that we have a safety net to fall back on if our children become seriously ill.
Volunteers and Donors: Volunteers and donors deepen their engagement in civic life and contribute to a stronger San Diego by supporting our House.

Meaning of the Logo

The Ronald McDonald brand is renowned and esteemed worldwide for its charitable efforts in supporting children and families by enhancing access to healthcare. Consequently, its logo was meticulously crafted to embody the brand’s values and pay tribute to the organization’s heritage.

The design of the house pays tribute to the crucial Ronald McDonald House program, which supports families of critically ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals by offering a nurturing home environment.
At the core of the charity’s mission lies the heart, embodying love and compassion. Ronald McDonald Houses are often referred to as “the house that love built,” highlighting the partnership that is fundamental to each house program.
The hands hold a triple meaning: the child’s hand represents children and family served, the Ronald McDonald hand signifies the charity’s foundation partnership with McDonald’s, and the joined hands express reassurance and optimism, underscoring the united effort to assist families in overcoming challenges.

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

Donations:

There are many ways to donate at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, including:

Online: Donating online is a quick, easy, and secure way to make a difference today. You can extend your impact by setting up easy monthly gifts, too
Mail: You are welcome to send your donation through the mail. Please use the address below for all donations, and please make checks payable to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

2929 Children’s Way

San Diego, CA 92123

Phone, wire transfer, appreciated securities, Cryptocurrency.
Make a Tribute Gift: You can also make your gift in honor of a family member or friend. When a Tribute gift is received, RMHC-San Diego will send an email to the individual indicated notifying them of your thoughtful donation.
Donate a Vehicle: Donate your vehicle to San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House. It’s The funds from your donation provide families with hot meals, warm beds and the ability to be just minutes away from their children undergoing treatment at local area hospitals.
Employer Matching Gift Programs: Your gift to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego could be matched dollar for dollar by your employer. Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees, retirees and/or employees’ spouses.
Donate loose change: Pennies and other loose change can add up quickly and your change could make a change for families at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House. The Pennies with a Purpose Challenge is great for Schools, offices or other groups.
Donate Food, Household, and Personal Items :Many families arrive with only the clothes they’re wearing, due to their child’s health emergency.

Volunteers:

There are many ways to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, including:

Reception: Greet visitors, answer phones, give tours, and help with deliveries and donations
House services: Help with tasks like vacuuming, washing windows, laundry, and organizing the pantry
Hairdressers and massage therapists: Provide care for caregivers
Event support: Help with community booths, fundraisers, and speaking opportunities
Serve a meal: Volunteers can rotate among tasks including meal preparation and service, cleaning, and craft tables for children
Red Shoe Day: Volunteers sing, dance, and hold out Red Shoes to collect donation.

To learn more about making a donation https://rmhcsd.org/ways-to-give/ and volunteering, https://rmhcsd.org/get-involved/volunteer/ please visit the websites

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego Events:

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego hosts a variety of annual events, such as:

Red Shoe Day: A community-driven fundraiser featuring hundreds of volunteers gathering donations at intersections throughout San Diego. This event typically occurs in late spring within San Diego County and during the fall in the Imperial Valley.
Poker Ride: A thrilling motorcycle journey where participants visit designated stops to pick up playing cards. As the route concludes, riders compete for prizes based on the best and worst poker hands. This summer event takes place at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House.
Raffles: Held twice annually, these raffles aim to generate funds for families residing at the Ronald McDonald House while their children receive medical care.
ROMP Gala: Founded by Hudson and Mary Drake, this elegant event marks the first Ronald McDonald charity gala held in 2009.The evening features exquisite dining, vibrant dancing, and both silent and live auctions, with all proceeds going towards supporting families of hospitalized children.
Dinner With Friends: A distinctive fundraiser organized by lifelong friends Matt Teeter and Carlos Sanguinetti. What began as a small, intimate gathering has blossomed into an event where over 300 friends come together to support a meaningful cause.
Annual Golf Tournament: Each year, supporters of San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House come together for a day of golf at one of our region’s top courses
Holiday Giving Wish List : Donation allows families staying at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House the opportunity to “shop” at the House and celebrate with their children this holiday season.
Holiday Toy Donation Drive Drop-Off : Contribution are intended for children during this festive season.
Run for Ronald McDonald House Charities Oceanside Turkey Trot: This annual event, held for almost 20 years, aims to keep families connected to their hospitalized children.