“Our need for in-kind ‘Wish List’ donations has grown more than five-fold in the past year, since opening our Ronald McDonald House Family Room at Dayton Children’s Hospital on Feb. 1, 2016,” says Karen Dempsey Volke, chief development officer. “RMHC Dayton has gone from serving approximately 400 families per year just at the House to 3,000 with the addition of the Family Room.
“We’ve also recently made the House available for up to two 4 Paws for Ability families at a time that stayed at the House while undergoing training with their service dog at the Xenia center,” says Volke.
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One of the best ways you can support these families is by helping to provide them with a well-stocked, clean and happy retreat.
“We are in great need of food items such as Pop Tarts, Mac & Cheese Cups, snack crackers, Lunchables, individually packaged cereal and individual microwavable entrees for our guest families at both the House and Family Room,” says Volke.
Here’s what else they can use:
- Lysol floor cleaner, Lysol wipes, Lysol disinfectant spray
- Hand sanitizer
- 409 All Purpose Cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- 7- and 13-gallon trash bags
- Febreze,
- Swiffer Wet Jet Refills and Swiffer Pads
- HE Laundry Detergent
- Disposable gloves
- Dishwasher Soap
- Individually packaged snack cakes, granola bars, fruit and applesauce, pudding cups, chips, dried nuts and fruits, coffee creamer, ravioli
- Refrigerated lunch meat, cheese sticks/slices
- Frozen waffles/pancakes, pizza, Hot Pockets
- Paper Bowls, paper plates
- Bath towels (white)
- Travel Size deodorant, shampoo, conditioner
- Individual toothbrushes, individual toothpaste
- Disposable razors
- Feminine products
- Laundry baskets
- Gift Cards from Kroger, Meijer, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club
Note that all food must be sealed in its original packaging and have an expiration date displayed.
Wish List items can be dropped off daily — 365 days a year — between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House, 555 Valley St., Dayton (corner of Valley and Chapel streets, across from Dayton Children’s Hospital).
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
Families, businesses, and service organizations interested in preparing meals for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House can register online at www.RMHCdayton.org or by calling (937) 224-0047, extension 41.
You can also support one of the upcoming fundraisers. The seventh annual "Doors of Compassion" will be held on Saturday, April 1. What makes this event fun and different is that its held in private residences through the Miami Valley with dinner prepared by one of our area's well-known chefs. After dinner, there's an After Party, with a secret location revealed the night of the party. There's music, dancing, desserts, and a silent auction. Tickets are $150 per person.
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RMHC Dayton's Junior Red Shoe Society will hold its annual "Little Ladies High Tea with Your American Girl Doll" on Sunday, April 30th at Sycamore Creek Country Club. There are two seatings: 10 a.m. to noon or 2 to 4 p.m. Activities include a fashion show, crafts, snacks, a doll boutique and raffle. Tickets are $25 per person. American Girl dolls are welcome, but not required.
Information/registration for both of these events can be found at www.RMHCdayton.org.
HELPING OUR COMMUNITY
Each week, staff writer Meredith Moss profiles a non-profit organization and its specific needs. If your group would like to share its wish list with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please leave a daytime phone number and include a photo that reflects the mission of your organization.
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