One hundred miles from home for 27 days, an unexpected stay at the Ronald McDonald House put one mom on a quest to help other families traveling for their child’s medical care.
Marie’s relationship with the Ronald McDonald House began seven years ago when her son Jack was born. Just hours after he was born, Jack was flown to a hospital in Pittsburgh. Spending nearly a month there, Jack was never alone.  Marie was by his side every day, thanks to the Ronald McDonald House. 
“My stay there was unexpected, so I showed up with pretty much nothing. Someone handed me a toothbrush of all things. That made such a difference, and from that moment on I knew I wanted to find a way to give back,” said Marie. 
Never forgetting the place that brought her family comfort during that time, Marie shared her Ronald McDonald House story with her colleagues as they were considering which charity to support. Each year, the managers in District 22 at Sheetz give back to the community by choosing an organization to help. Inspired by Marie’s story, the group chose RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown and got to work. 
 
With items donated from a Sheetz distribution center, the team filled 500 backpacks with daily essentials for families to have while their child is in the hospital. Each backpack contains items such as tissues, toothbrushes, breath mints, hand sanitizer, and more and is given to the families upon their arrival at the Charity.
District 22 Sheetz managers deliver 500 welcome bags to the Ronald McDonald House
Additionally, each manager provided a basket for a raffle that stretched throughout the district. Putting their hearts into the fundraiser, they set personal goals and raised $3,800 for the Charity. And if you think they were done, they weren’t. In lieu of their holiday gift exchange, each manager personally donated a $50 gift card to have food delivered to families during their stay.  


The District 22 Sheetz managers’ commitment to giving RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown families the comforts of home at a time when they can’t be is truly inspiring.  Their pledge to making a positive impact for others ensures families are together with the support they need while facing a medical crisis. 
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown