Keeping Families Close
A Note from our CEO
What a time to see our House! 24 Christmas trees, thousands of lights, garland, flowers, even a smiling Grinch bench – our halls are decked from top to bottom and we are in full-fledged holiday spirit mode. It really fills my heart to see our staff, volunteers and community partners make every effort to ensure our guest families are experiencing holiday cheer when they have to be away from their forever-homes during the season. And the generosity we’ve been experiencing these past few weeks is inspiring! Generous friends, neighbors, and donors have visited us on a daily basis, dropping off monetary gifts, toys, treats for parents, and of course pop tabs for recycling like our friend Larry "the Can Man" Van Ness who was presented a plaque for collecting 21 million tabs for the house (top right). All of this keeps us going strong to provide warm meals to feed our families and a welcoming, comforting home away from home.  

To each and every one of you reading, I send you my heartfelt thanks and the thanks of our entire team. I hope you enjoy a warm and happy holiday season filled with family and friends.

Sincere regards,
Mission Moment
We received a very special email from a family who previously stayed at the House and is now able to give back in a touching way:

“We gave back last night by serving the dinner. It was a magical night. Snow lightly falling, my kids were all smiles, the guests were appreciative.  

Most importantly, Audrey was there. She was six and healthy and beginning to make her own memories at RMH. Memories in which she can appreciate what the Ronald McDonald House means to our family--what it meant to us in 2013 right before the holidays when we were so scared and stressed about the outcome of her illness. And memories in which she could play in the play area, look at the beautiful holiday decorations, and laugh with her sisters while she served garlic bread to families such as hers.

I was reminded last night of just how much work has to go into it all. As a dad and as someone who volunteered and worked there, I saw it all again with fresh but experienced eyes.” 

-Marco (and Family)
Around the House
Round Up for RMHC
A very special visitor made a “ House call” this month to promote a new and important program for the Ronald McDonald House. It was our namesake – Ronald himself! Hosted by our local restaurant owner operators, this beloved ambassador for McDonald’s came to share smiles, make magic and create awareness for the Round Up for RMHC initiative. Next time you are at McDonald’s, use the kiosk or ask employees how you can “round up” your total and support the House!
Anyone Can Make a Difference
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
A very special thanks to our friends at NextGear Capital and Safelite Auto Glass for all their hard work in putting together Santa’s Workshop this year. It’s no small feat to set up, decorate, stock, and organize a pop-up toy shop inside the House; thanks to their efforts, each family will get to “shop” (free of charge) for presents for their children! Throughout the year, friends and partners from across the city generously donate gifts to give to our families, and this incredible generosity pays off in a truly memorable holiday experience. 
Thank You Wabash Valley Community Foundation
We received a $2,000 grant from the Wabash Valley Community Foundation to be used toward the cost of guest families from Clay County staying with us. In 2019, four families from Clay County have stayed at our House for a total of 53 nights.
Mac's Minute
Hi fur-riends! 
Will you help my pals staying at the House? They told me they need some stuff to fill the pantry and supply closet!
Here are some of the items on our House Wish List :
  • Liquid laundry detergent (perfume free)
  • Disinfectant Wipes
  • Dryer Sheets
  • Canned Pasta
  • Canned Tuna & chicken
  • Ramen noodles
  • Pudding cups
  • Drinks in boxes/pouches
  • Gift cards to Sam’s Club
Fur-well,
Mac
Chief Cheer Officer
The RMHCCIN Scholarship program is funded by Central Indiana McDonald's restaurants and has awarded more than $900,000 in scholarships to students in financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. The deadline for submitting applications is January 20, 2020.
Promos with a Purpose
Omaha Steaks Supports the House
Omaha Steaks now offers the Ronald McDonald House as one of their designated giveback charities . Click here to make a purchase , and we will receive 10% of the order proceeds! Please share the link with anyone that might be making an Omaha Steaks purchase this holiday season.
Clay Terrace is Gifting Kindness
This holiday season, Clay Terrace is gifting kindness. All you have to do is visit Clay Terrace and grab a tag from the Gift Kindness kiosk near the Java House Coffee Bar. Follow the instructions below and $1000 could be donated to the Ronald McDonald House! You can read the rules here.
  • Post a photo of your act of kindness on your public Instagram account
  • Follow and tag @clayterracemall
  • Use the hashtag #GiftKindnessContest
  • Tag @RMHCCIN to designate the House as the charity of your choice