Sleepover!

Fifteen incredibly beautiful overnight rooms opened at the Ronald McDonald House inside Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis on February 7th, 2011. The opening of the bedrooms rounded out the 8,500 square foot House which opened November 1st, 2010. The House Inside the Hospital (HIH) also includes two living rooms, a stocked pantry, kitchen, exercise area, computer lab and an outdoor patio just steps away from the inpatient units. As the 5th House inside the hospital in the country, we are honored to provide a respite from the hospital environment, a sense of community, a good night's sleep, home-cooked meals and hot showers to our 400+ registered families who average 130 visits a day. Days at the HIH consist of families playing board games, cooking meals, relaxing in front of the fireplace, running on the treadmill and visiting with their loved ones. In a word, it’s just like “home.”

Volunteers Close To Our Hearts!

Nothing beats our volunteers, but a recent Cooks for Kids Group was especially close to my heart. 'UWL + the boys' is a group of friends mostly comprised of alumni from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, which is also my alma mater! Five of the group's members are also weekly Housewarmer volunteers and almost all of the group has donated their time at other important RMHC-UM events like Fam Glam, the Golf Classic and Parents' Night In. Their 'build your own sub' picnic theme was a hit with all of the familes, especially their 'sand & dirt' dessert cups. This group shows so much heart and dedication; we can't thank them enough for their efforts.

Through the window - Snow

Through my window today I see snowflakes falling, adding to the piles already here. To me, it looks like shoveling and long commutes, but to the family I just met from Texas, it is a once in a lifetime experience. Seeing them gazing happily out the windows made me stop and appreciate the snow, just for a moment. It's experiences like this that make me appreciate working right inside the RMH-Oak Street and to be part of an organization that provides a haven for families from across the country. I know it will still be a bit of a pain for me, but as I shovel tonight after work, I'll think about that family and the fun they saw out the window.

We Support Families

Even though we reach thousands of families each year, we never take our focus off each one and their unique story.

Thank You Volunteers!

Yesterday, a group of 11 volunteers from UHC came to the RMH- Oak Street to help us clean. Our mission wouldn't be possible without the dedication of groups like this. Thanks to all of our volunteer groups for their selfless efforts during this very busy holiday season!

Through the window - Former Family visits

Again, through my window I see many things here at RMH-Oak Street, but one of my favorite things is when former families come back and I recognize them as they drive in to the parking lot. Today, a great family came by for a visit and a night of BINGO before a 6 month check-up. It's great to see their smiling faces and to catch up on what they've been up to since we last saw them. Visits like this really bring joy for me and the work we do here at RMHC-UM.
The family from today in particular is fun because they have made it their mission to collect hundreds of pounds of pop tabs to help raise funds for the charity. It all started with just a few pounds and a delivery after a few months away from the RMH. Six months ago they delivered over 500 pounds, and today another 290! Hauling pop tabs in 15 degree weather isn't my favorite part of the job, but catching up with them while we worked and hearing about the first semester of high school made it all worth it in the end.

Here's a photo from the summer drop off - if only it were still flip flow weather here in Minnesota!

The New House!

It's been a long time coming, but the new House, inside Children's Hospital, Minneapolis is just a few days away from opening. There have been events all week to kick-off the opening -from a media tour on Monday, a Donor Reception on Wednesday and an all-staff and volunteer open house today. The opening of the new House is incredibly exciting because there is no geographic requirement -- we've expanded our service to local families! Thanks for sharing the excitement of the opening of a second RMH. The common areas of the new House open November 1st and overnight stays will begin in February. There are 16 bedrooms, so beginning February, we'll be serving 64 families, 365 days per year. Amazing!

(photos by Mike Krivit)