‘Tis the season for holiday parties, marathon shopping sprees, homemade goodies and good cheer. Sadly, for many people the holidays are just a painful reminder of what reminder of just how precious the holidays can be with your family, especially when you have a child who is battling a serious disease.
Every year McDonald’s makes an extra effort to bring to light the important work they do for the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC). This year they sponsored a “Give a Hand Fundraiser” which raised funds for the Ronald McDonald House. Across the country people purchased a “Hand” for a $1.00 donation. The funds raised went to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
In case you are unfamiliar with the work that the Ronald McDonald House Charities do, they help provide families of seriously ill children a place to stay so that they can be close to their child in the hospital.
Imagine if you would that you had a child that was very ill and needed to go to a hospital in another town or state for treatment. Its hard enough getting through your day to day things with a child ill in the hospital, let alone having to worry about traveling to and from the far away hospital, or worrying about a hotel room or a place to stay. That is where the Ronald McDonald House Charities come in.
Each year the Ronald McDonald House Charities provides families of sick children a place to stay for the duration of their child’s stay in the hospital. This allows parents to be close to their child and the medical staff taking care of their child.
At every House, families can enjoy:
– Home-cooked meals
– Private bedrooms
– Playrooms for children
And so much more!
The generosity of volunteers and donors make it all possible. In return, families either stay at no cost or are asked to make a donation up to $25 per day, depending on the house. The RMHC Global Policy is that families are never turned away. If it is not financially possible to pay the fee will be waived.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities can not offer such amazing support on their own. They need the help of generous people to help them to be able to provide such services for families in need.
This year as you are scouring the countryside looking for the “perfect gift” for a family member or friend please take a moment to consider those less fortunate then you. Thousands of families across the country do not care about getting brand new electronics for a great price, nor do they care about getting their hair done for a company Christmas party. All they care about it their sick child and praying for a cure.
Please consider donating to a very worthy cause. McDonald’s runs fundraisers throughout the year, most recently the Give a Hand Fundraiser that they ran earlier this month.
You can also help raise funds by committing to spending more quality time with your family. If you make a pledge on this page, http://www.facebook.com/McDonalds?v=app_10442206389, McDonald’s will donate funds to the Ronald McDonald’s House Charities. All you need to do is leave a comment on an activity you plan to do together with your family and approximately how many minutes you think the activity would take (be realistic). I don’t see why everyone cannot participate in this great fundraising campaign. After all it benefits not only the children and families in the Ronald McDonald House Charities programs but it also helps YOU and YOUR family to have more quality time to connect with one another, especially during the holiday season. After all, isn’t spending precious time with family and friends what the holidays are all about?
You can also donate money through the many Ronald McDonald House Charities donation boxes at McDonald’s restaurants. You can also donate online at www.RMHC.org. While you are visiting the site check out this interesting article on 100 Small Gestures you can do to help out a family with a sick child (or sick family member). These are simple, easy-to-do gestures that won’t cost you much more then a few moments of your time. Some examples include:
– Offer free transportation to and from the hospital.
– If you are bringing toys, books or snacks to a child in the hospital consider bringing in a few extras for the other children who are there.
– McDonald’s or other restaurant gift cards for a family to catch a quick bite to eat.
There are so many more found on the site. You can view the complete list here, http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/ronald-mcdonald-house/stories-1/100-small-gestures.
To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities please visit www.RMHC.org. There you can find out ways you can help including donations and volunteering.
Help spread some holiday cheer this year – help out a family in need.
A special “thank you” to the Ronald McDonald House Charities for all that they do throughout the year.
In order to help your family spend more quality time together, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities, I have 10 (TEN) prize packages to give away to 10 (TEN) lucky She Scribes readers (one prize per winner).The prize package includes a cool random family activity kit (e.g., arts & crafts, movie night, outdoor family fun) and a McDonald’s coupon for a free Southwest Salad and Apple Dippers.
To enter please comment on what activity you can do with your family to spend quality time together this month.If you are on Facebook PLEASE post that activity and time on their Facebook page (and include the minutes) so that the special donation can be made for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The link to where you can post it is http://www.facebook.com/McDonalds?v=app_10442206389.
For extra entries you can do any or all of the following. Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each that you have done. Extra entries are optional.
– Subscribe to She Scribes and/or Connect with Google Friend Connect. Both options are found on the right side bar.
– “Like” McDonalds on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/McDonalds.
– “Like” She Scribes on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/SheScribes.
– “Like” Ronald McDonald House Charities on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/RMHCGlobal.
– Follow McDonalds on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/McDonalds.
– Follow Ronald McDonald House Charities on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/RMHC.
– Follow She Scribes on Twitter (@She_Scribes) and tweet about this giveaway and/or the Ronald McDonald House Charities campaign. Please be sure to include me in the tweet so I may see it too. This is limited to three tweets per day.
– Use any or all of the social networking buttons found at the bottom of this post to help promote this special campaign and/or this giveaway. Be sure to tell me what you did and please provide a name and/or URL so I may verify.
This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on December 7, 2010 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winners will be chosen at random from all eligible entries using a random number generator. The winners will all be contacted via e-mail and will have three days to reply with a name and mailing address (no PO Box) or a new winner will be chosen.
Other fun giveaways are found on the right side bar under “Win It”.
Kimberly
*I received a sample activity free to do this review. There was no compensation. Any opinions expressed are my own.
** McDonald’s images used in this post were found on Google. Source unknown. Copyrights belong to the photographer/artist/McDonalds. They were used ONLY to promote the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
GrandmaAllen says
My immediate family at home is just my husband and I. We like to watch old movies together or once a week we go out to a restaurant for karaoke. We also have a karaoke set up so that when all the family gets together (like Christmas) we will all take turns singing.
Eve says
We take walks around the neighborhood!
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/9334391151001600
phxbne says
decorate for the holidays!
phxbne says
Subscribe to She Scribes
phxbne says
Follow McDonalds on Twitter @phxbne
Nina@The One Fantastical says
I love going to the park with my family and enjoying nature
Nina@The One Fantastical says
I subscribe via email
Nina@The One Fantastical says
I follow on GFC
Nina@The One Fantastical says
I like mcdonalds on FB
Nina@The One Fantastical says
I like you on FB
Nina@The One Fantastical says
I like ronald charities on FB
debp says
This month, we put up the christmas decorations together. It is a great chance to talk about the memories of when we got them.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
debp says
I am a email subscriber.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
debp says
I am a gfc follower.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Kristie says
There is SO much to do as a family during the holidays! We pick out our tree and decorate it together, do an advent calendar, watch Christmas movies and read Christmas books, do Christmas crafts…we have all sorts of family activities waiting for us this season! 🙂
jennifer horn says
We all decorate the tree together, go visit Santa and drive around to look at Christmas lights.
Kristie says
I subscribe via e-mail.
Kristie says
I like She Scribes on facebook.
jennifer horn says
Like McDonald’s on FB.
jennifer horn says
Like SheScribes on FB
jennifer horn says
Like Ronald McDonald House Charities on FB
jennifer horn says
Follow McDOnald’s on Twitter. @jen_r_horn
jennifer horn says
Follow Ronald McDonald HOuse on Twitter. @jen_r_horn
jennifer horn says
Follow you on Twitter and tweeted. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/9615312160817152
jennifer horn says
Follow on GFC.
marci h says
We just put a christmas tree up and the kids added the bulbs and hubby and i added the lights–the kids are now making plans on what we will do during christmas vacation–some are wanting to go to the movies. 🙂
marci
tristatecruisers at yahoo dot com
marci h says
subscribe via e-mail 🙂
marci
tristatecruisers at yahoo dot com
marci h says
follow via GFC 🙂
marci
tristatecruisers at yahoo dot com
marci h says
“Like” Ronald McDonald House Charities on Facebook 🙂
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“Like” McDonalds on Facebook 🙂
marci
tristatecruisers at yahoo dot com
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“Like” She Scribes on Facebook 🙂
marci
tristatecruisers at yahoo dot com
Rebecca Williams says
I commented on their fb wall to color and do crafts as a family
Rebecca Williams says
I’m an email subscriber to your blog
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I follow via google friend-rebecca williams
Rebecca Williams says
I like She Scribes on Facebook @rebeccaw2005
Bebemiqui says
We can go sledding and winter camping together!
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/9801196248240128
jennifer horn says
tweeted. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/10028743728824320
Eve says
http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/10114599097466880\
tweet
Eve says
email subscriber
Eve says
gfc follower
Eve says
Like” McDonalds on Facebook
evelyn d
Eve says
Like” she scribes on Facebook
evelyn d
Eve says
tweeet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/10115817475670016
Eve says
“Like” Ronald McDonald House Charities on Facebook
evelyn d
Eve says
Follow McDonalds on Twitter
@shopgurl
Eve says
Follow Ronald McDonald House Charities on Twitter
@shopgurl
BTW the twitter page that you provided is incorrect. THis is the right one: http://twitter.com/RMHC
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/10118616183734272
Tina M says
We pick out our Christmas tree and decorate it together and we will go to Disney World for Christmas.
Tina M says
follow you on GFC
Tina M says
follow you on facebook
Tina M says
“Like” McDonalds on Facebook
Tina M says
Follow McDonalds on Twitter
Tina M says
Follow Ronald McDonald House Charities on Twitter
Tina M says
follow you on twitter
jennifer horn says
daily tweet. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/10343824941383680
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/10468352153616384
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/10469043240706048
nicole b says
I pledged to spend 20 minutes making holiday cookies
nicolemb2010 at yahoo dot com
nicole b says
Liked McDonalds on Facebook nicole barr
nicole b says
Liked Ronald McDonald House Charities on Facebook nicole barr
nicole b says
following vie gfc alyssasmom9807
nicole b says
Liked She Scribes on Facebook nicole barr
nicole b says
following mcdonalds on twitter @alyssasmom9807
nicole b says
Following Ronald McDonald House Charities on Twitter @alyssasmom9807
nicole b says
Following She Scribes on Twitter @alyssasmom9807
tweet http://twitter.com/alyssasmom9807/statuses/10504751267446785
nicole b says
shared on fb http://www.facebook.com/nicolemb2010/posts/165649173471495
nicole b says
tweet http://twitter.com/alyssasmom9807/statuses/10510707770527744
Eve says
stumbled shopgurl
http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/www.shescribes.com/2010/11/ronald-mcdonald-house-charities-help-spread-some-holiday-cheer-this-year-giveaway-10-winners.html
Eve says
digged shopgurl
http://digg.com/news/lifestyle/ronald_mcdonald_house_charities_help_spread_some_holiday_cheer_this_year_giveaway_10_winners_she_scribes
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/10511046598983680
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/10606069130727424
jennifer horn says
daily tweet. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/10709105454878721
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/10731603512791041
nicole b says
http://twitter.com/alyssasmom9807/statuses/10865263008288768
Melissa Pruitt says
reading books together and watching movies together!!
Melissa Pruitt says
im a gfc!
Melissa Pruitt says
I follow you on twitter
@butterflyz01234
Melissa Pruitt says
i follow you on facebook
invisible_fairy_05@yahoo.com
Melissa Pruitt says
i follow mcdonalds on twitter
@butterflyz01234
Judy B says
I pledged 60 min. family activity on McD’s FB as Judith (or Judy) B
(Also voted for RMH at the Member’s Project listed on McD’s FB wall.)
Judy B says
Email subscriber
Judy B says
Public GFC follower.
Judy B says
Liked McD’s on FB as Judith B.
Judy B says
Liked you on FB as Judith B.
Judy B says
Liked RMHC on FB as Judith B.
Judy B says
Following McD’s on twitter as BBirdie2
Judy B says
Following RMHC on twitter as BBirdie2
Judy B says
Follow you on twitter as BBirdie2 and tweeted about RMHC:
http://twitter.com/BBirdie2/status/10891672330182656
Judy B says
Dugg as beachbird2
Judy B says
Liked on Stumble as beachbird2
Judy B says
Faved on Technorati as beachbird2
Judy B says
Tweeted about giveaway:
http://twitter.com/BBirdie2/status/10892930944335872
katklaw777 says
We still enjoy a family game night…it is usually make your own pizza night too. I put out lightly toasted english muffins or bagels, sauce and toppings(even leftovers) and everyone creates their own masterpiece. After dinner we play Charades or Pictionary, two of our favorite games. Thanks for the giveaway.
katklaw777 says
email subscriber
katklaw777 says
GFC follower
jennifer horn says
daily tweet. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/11110996588367872
Patti Hess says
We go on Bike Rides together, play games, and watch movies
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance
Patti Hess says
subscriber
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance
Patti Hess says
Like McDonalds on Facebook
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance
Patti Hess says
Like She Scribes on Facebook
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance
Patti Hess says
Like Ronald McDonald Charities on Facebook
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance
Eve says
tweeet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/11213649368584192
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/11479547824312320
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/11479637263654912
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/11479734659588096
jennifer horn says
daily tweet. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/11488984609853440
NJJ says
I pledged 30 mins to go to the library w/ my family! (I also posted this pledge on McDonald’s FB Wall C.J. Jennings)
NJJ says
Follow she scribes GFC GoldenOrchard
NJJ says
Like She scribes on FB C.J. Jennings
NJJ says
Like McDonald’s on FB C.J. Jennings
NJJ says
Like RMHCGlobal on FB C.J. Jennings
NJJ says
follow mcdonalds @WildOrchids09 on twitter
NJJ says
follow @RMHC @WildOrchids09 on Twitter
jennifer horn says
daily tweet. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/11805343050899456
nicole b says
http://twitter.com/alyssasmom9807/statuses/11876594616373248
Eve says
tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/11896117503459328
Eve says
tweeet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/11896314035965952
cher says
we are going to the local Children’s Museum
cher says
like McDonalds on FB (Cherise P K)
cher says
FB fan of yours too!
jennifer horn says
daily tweet. http://tinyurl.com/29q96m9
cindy says
i did the pledge on FB.
I plan to spend more time playing, snugglig & watching movies, going on outings and crafts
cindy says
follow on gfc
cindy says
like mcdonalds on fb
cindy says
like shescribes on fb
cindy says
like mcdonald charity on fb
cindy says
follow mcdonalds on twitter
@FAMILY_TIES
cindy says
follow mcdonald charity on twitter
@FAMILY_TIES
Anne says
We love baking together for the holidays. Decorating cookies is our favorite.
Anne says
I follow on google friend connect
Anne says
I am a facebook fan (Anne Jolly) of yours
Anne says
I am a facebook fan (Anne Jolly) of McDonalds
Anne says
I am a facebook fan (Anne Jolly) of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Lindley A says
We do either family movie night or board game night every week (with popcorn!)
Lindley A says
I am a She Scribes subscriber- thanks!
Lindley A says
I am a She Scribes facebook fan- thanks!
tina reynolds says
We love having game night and movie night, we also love going geocaching which we did this past sunday as a family and had a blast thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com
tina reynolds says
I subscribe to your blog eaglesforjack@gmail.com
tina reynolds says
I follow your blog
tina reynolds says
I like mcdonalds on facebook (mrstinareynolds
tina reynolds says
I like your blog on facebook (mrstinareynolds
tina reynolds says
I like mcdonalds house charities on facebook (mrstinareynolds
tina reynolds says
I like mcdonalds on twitter @mrstinareynolds
tina reynolds says
I follow ronald mcdonald house on twitter @mrstinareynolds eaglesforjack@gmail.com
Lynn says
We can have family game night!
Eve says
tweet https://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/12343393493454848
Eve says
tweet https://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/12343570027515904
Eve says
tweet https://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/12343947238055936
GrandmaAllen says
I like “Shescribes” on facebook.
jennifer horn says
daily tweet. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/12531960186408961