When a child is in the hospital, parents want to be right there. But when home is hours away, that can mean sleeping in a car or a waiting room chair. A Ronald McDonald House changes that. It gives families a warm room, a kitchen, and a little bit of normal life just minutes from their child's bedside.
The Central New York Ronald McDonald House in Syracuse welcomes nearly 1,000 family members each year. With so many guests, the pantry shelves and supply closets empty quickly, and they rely on neighbors near and far to keep them stocked.
The chance they need
Their wish list is full of the everyday things that make a long, worried day a little easier: pantry staples, snacks, and household essentials. They update it regularly with what's needed most right now.
- Shop their Amazon wish list from anywhere, and items ship straight to the House.
- Live nearby? You can collect items and arrange a drop-off through their website.
- Please note: all donated items must be new and unopened, for the health of guest families.
More ways to give this chance
- Find the House near you. There are Ronald McDonald Houses all across the country, and most share a wish list on their website. Search "Ronald McDonald House" plus your city.
- Start a wish list drive at your workplace, school, club, or place of worship. A collection box and a printed list go a long way.
- Cook or volunteer. Many Houses welcome groups who come in to prepare a home-cooked dinner for families.
- Share this post so more people know how easy it is to help.
Chances.org doesn't collect money or items for this cause; please give directly through the Ronald McDonald House website. Wish list items change often, so check their page for the latest, and check before you give to any cause.
See all Chances Needed, or read How to Help a Friend Going Through a Hard Time.