Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Home Away from Home: Ronald McDonald House offers respite for families with sick children

Every year, more than 100,000 children are treated at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

Though many of these patients are local, there are countless families who travel far from home to seek the critical care provided in Hershey.

Located across the street is Ronald McDonald House—a home that lessens the burdens associated with caring for a sick child. Their mascot, Ronald McDonald, sits outside the front door, quietly welcoming families as they seek a safe haven near the hospital.

“We are a place of respite for an average of 1,000 families annually,” said Karla Mitchell, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA (RMHC-CP). “We take care of a family’s essential needs so they can focus on what’s important—their child.”

 

A Lifeline

When operating at full capacity, the charity can serve up to 35 families at one time. Out-of-town guests can use—free of charge—house amenities such as a private bedroom, fully equipped kitchens, common room areas, washers/dryers, computers and a playroom for siblings and patients.

Since March 2020, Mitchell and her team have had to shift their model of programming to accommodate global Ronald McDonald House Charities recommendations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements. These have been put in place to keep guests safe who have immunocompromised family members receiving treatment.

“The pandemic has halted us from being able to use our facilities at full capacity, but it has not altered our mission or stopped us from serving families,” Mitchell said. “Pediatric illness does not stop for a pandemic and neither do we.”

In 2021, RMHC-CP provided 817 family stays for a total of 4,587 overnight visits. This sum combines house stays and partnerships with local hotels to house families when the house is full. On a local level, 81 families from Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin and York counties resided for a total of 846 overnight accommodations.

During the uncertainty of the pandemic, the Brum-Lyford family traveled more than 2,600 miles to meet their adopted twin daughters. The girls were born eight weeks early and were transported to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

To be closer to their daughters while they grew stronger, Chris Brum and Hugh Lyford stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for a total of 28 days.

The couple described the organization as a “lifeline in a sea of uncertainty.”

“At a time in our lives when everything was uncertain and we were in crisis mode, having the support and assistance of the staff and volunteers and having a place to call home was crucial,” Lyford said. “RMHC-CP will always have such a special place in our hearts.”

 

Community Support

 To operate free of charge, the organization relies heavily on volunteers and donations. Looking to get involved? There are several ways that the community can step up to support this nonprofit.

The charity offers numerous individual and group volunteer opportunities, such as “guest chef” and baking programs, which both allow people to use their cooking skills to contribute. The house also is accepting house volunteers to help greet and check in guests, give a tour of the facilities, change over rooms and follow strict cleaning protocols.

All volunteers must adhere to the organization’s policies, which currently include a limit on participants and proof of vaccination.

Are you a member on Facebook? Many followers donate to RMHC-CP by hosting a Facebook Fundraiser for birthdays and celebrations. This little fundraiser can have a large impact. Last year, more than $17,000 was raised from this effort alone. Visit the Facebook page, @RMHCofCentralPA, to learn more.

If you’re a McDonald’s restaurant patron, you also can easily contribute. Customers can round up their purchase to support services at the Ronald McDonald House. Ask at the register or drive-thru to “round up” for RMHC.

“Without our community’s support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” said Amy Leonard, director of development. “We rely solely on donations so we can provide our services free of charge, and events are a large piece of that puzzle.”

With changing health and safety protocols, RMHC-CP has transformed its special events schedule to include Ladies Night Out (May 12), Golf Classic (Aug. 1) and Sporting Clays Tournament (Sept. 9). Event details, ticket information and sponsorship forms can be found on their website.

“We have pivoted to be able to host our participants in a safe environment while following regulations and raising money for the organization to keep the lights on,” Leonard said.

Mitchell and Leonard both understand the great importance of their services and want to thank the central Pennsylvania community for helping them fulfill their mission for over 38 years.

“We are grateful to all of our community champions and those who didn’t forget about us during the pandemic,” Mitchell said. “All of the supporters and volunteers who rallied behind us are amazing, and we are truly humbled by your ongoing support. Thank you!”


For more information on
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA, including volunteer opportunities, event tickets, sponsorships and donation programs, visit www.rmhc-centralpa.org

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