Our Community Cares: Ronald McDonald House Charities

Oct 1, 2019 | Non-Profits, People

[title subtitle=”WORDS Catherine Frederick with Susan Pruitt, Development Coordinator, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma, Inc.”][/title]

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma strives to benefit Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma through four core programs: Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Mercy Hospital NWA in Rogers and at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, a Ronald McDonald House at Washington Regional in Fayetteville, and a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. Do South®reached out to Susan Pruitt, Development Coordinator, to learn more.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma, Inc.
7301 Rogers Avenue
4th Floor of Mercy Hospital
Fort Smith, Arkansas
479-314-8030
rmhcofarkoma.org

DS: We understand you support the critical needs of children through family-centered programs, tell us more.
RMHC: It’s imperative that parents are able to rest and recharge in order to make informed decisions with their child’s medical team. We provide a home away from home – so families can stay close – with sleeping suites to accommodate rest during the day as well as overnight stays. We also provide a fully stocked kitchen, dining room, entertainment smart theater, laundry facilities, and a hot meal nightly.

DS: Who is eligible to stay at the Ronald McDonald Family Room?
RMHC: It is open to families of children 21 years or younger undergoing treatment at the hospital. We’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and do not charge for our services.

DS: If our readers wish to volunteer, what options are available? How can they sign up?
RMHC: Our volunteers do everything from checking in on families, baking desserts, restocking rooms, light housekeeping, answering phones, assisting with mailings, data entry and more. You can also volunteer to prepare a Share a Meal, filling a Wishlist, or with a third-party fundraiser.

DS: How does your “Share a Meal” program work?
RMHC: Share a Meal is an opportunity for you (or your club, team, class, church, work, etc.) to prepare a family-style meal on the day of your choice. If you are interested please call the Family Room at 479-314-8030.

DS: Do you accept financial and/or product donations? If so, how can our readers help?
RMHC: All donations made to the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Fort Smith stay in Fort Smith. We gladly accept financial and in-kind donations. Find all the information on our website at rmhcofarkoma.org. Your donation is tax deductible!

DS: Is there a special event or fundraiser coming up our readers should know about?
RMHC: Every year we host the Red Shoe Shindig, one of Fort Smith’s premier fundraising events and our major fundraising event of the year. This year’s event on November 16 is at the Fort Smith Marshals Museum. Our theme is a “Night at the Museum” where we will highlight the history of Fort Smith. All proceeds support the work of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma in the River Valley, through the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mercy Fort Smith. Last year, over $250,000 was raised for this vital program that has served over 3,300 area children and families in almost 9 years. Tickets are on sale at rmhcofarkoma.org.

Do South Magazine

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