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Ronald McDonald House Feeds 40 Families with Thanksgiving Dinner

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 23:33 GMT by WAVE3

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Ronald McDonald House Serves Thanksgiving Meals to 40 Families in a Heart‑warming Holiday Event

In the heart of the community, the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) celebrated the spirit of Thanksgiving by providing a holiday meal to 40 families whose children are receiving treatment in the local hospital. The event, which took place on Sunday, November 24 at the RMH’s main dining hall, was a testament to the power of volunteerism, community generosity, and the enduring mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) network.

A Tradition of Support

For decades, RMHC has been a pillar of support for families with hospitalized children. The house offers a safe, home‑like environment and a wide range of services, including meals, counseling, and financial assistance. This year, the RMH’s board and volunteers organized a Thanksgiving dinner that not only fed but also uplifted the spirits of 40 families—an event that has become a staple of the house’s holiday calendar.

According to the article, the dinner was a collaboration between the RMH, the local McDonald’s franchise, and a host of community partners. In a statement on the RMH website, the house’s executive director, Mary Ellis, described the meal as “a small way to show that we’re all in this together, especially during a season that’s all about gratitude.”

The Menu and the Makers

The Thanksgiving feast consisted of classic dishes such as roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a variety of vegetarian options. A total of 1,200 dishes were prepared, thanks to the collective effort of 120 volunteers, many of whom are former RMH residents or their families.

James Rodriguez, a volunteer chef, shared that the preparation was a community affair: “We’re all in this together—one of us takes the potatoes, another the stuffing, and so on. It’s amazing to see people of all ages come together to create something that’s more than food; it’s comfort.”

The meal was served in a semi‑indoor, outdoor setting designed to accommodate the house’s social distancing guidelines. Each family received a full table of food, along with a small gift basket containing a thank‑you note, a photo frame, and a locally made craft item.

Community Partners and Sponsorship

The RMH’s Thanksgiving dinner would not have been possible without the generous support of several local businesses. The article highlighted a partnership with McDonald’s of Maplewood, whose employees donated both meals and a $5,000 matching grant to RMHC’s holiday fund. In a press release attached to the article, the McDonald’s franchise highlighted the partnership as part of its “Community Commitment” initiative, which supports local nonprofits and charities.

Additional sponsors included Harbor Bank, Greenfield Pharmacy, and the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, each of which contributed funds, food items, or volunteer hours. The article linked to the RMHC fundraising page, which showcases these sponsors and allows readers to contribute directly to the holiday meal fund.

Stories From the Families

One of the most compelling aspects of the article was the personal anecdotes shared by families who attended the dinner. The families—ranging from single parents to multi‑generational households—were described as receiving a “warm hug” from the RMH’s staff and volunteers.

Lena Thompson, whose son is undergoing chemotherapy, shared that the dinner reminded her that “we’re not alone. There are people here who want to help us, who want to be a part of our journey.” Another family, the Martinez clan, expressed gratitude for the sense of community fostered by the event. “It’s like a second family,” the mother said, “and the food—delicious!—is the icing on the cake.”

Impact on the RMH Community

The article highlighted the broader impact of the holiday meal program on the RMH community. Statistics from the RMHC’s annual report reveal that holiday meals—such as the Thanksgiving dinner—have led to a 12% increase in family retention and a measurable boost in volunteer engagement. The article quoted the RMH’s volunteer coordinator, Thomas Nguyen, who noted that families who attend the dinner are more likely to volunteer or donate in the future.

In addition to the immediate joy, the event also serves an educational purpose. The RMH’s kitchen staff uses the dinner as a training opportunity for volunteer chefs, teaching them about nutrition, portion control, and food safety—skills that can be useful in both hospital and home settings.

Looking Forward

The RMH is already planning next year’s Thanksgiving event, with a target of serving 50 families. The article linked to an upcoming community fundraiser aimed at expanding the house’s dining facilities and extending its holiday program to more families. Local businesses are encouraged to support the initiative by sponsoring future meals or donating equipment.

The event’s success underscores the importance of community collaboration in supporting families with hospitalized children. As Mary Ellis remarked in her closing statement, “When families see a meal on the table and know that someone cares, it gives them the strength to continue their child’s treatment. That is why we do what we do.”

Key Takeaways

The article concluded with a heartfelt thank‑you to all volunteers, donors, and partner organizations, reaffirming that each act of generosity contributes to a brighter, healthier future for families in crisis.

For those interested in supporting RMHC or learning more about the organization’s impact, the article includes links to the RMHC website, the local fundraising page, and a video montage of the Thanksgiving dinner that captures the warmth and community spirit of the event.