As Volunteer Week comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say thank you to - You - our community of supporters for your commitment to giving families a place to call home at the Ronald McDonald House. The countless ways you come together provide families with comfort and strength during a difficult journey. Read on for some wonderful examples of compassion in action. 

ADPi Chapters Give Support to RMHC Families

Since 1979, Ronald McDonald House Charities has been the National Philanthropy of Alpha Delta Pi. Locally, this sorority at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) has found some creative ways to support the families staying at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown.

If you have ever been on Pitt’s campus and saw a Pie a Pi, Dunk a Delta, or dodge ball event, then you were witnessing the charitable work of the University’s Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Each of these events held throughout the school year benefit the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Furthermore, this group of 160 girls breaks into smaller groups and comes in every other month to make a meal at the House, planning something different to serve each time.

“As the only sorority on our campus to be able to physically go to their philanthropic partner to volunteer, it’s nice to be able to meet and spend time with the families," said Meghan Strickler, ADPi Director of Philanthropy at Pitt.

Traveling 130 miles south to the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College, you will find another group of ADPi sisters supporting the families of RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown. Getting the community of Buckhannon involved in their philanthropy efforts, this energetic group holds an annual Pi-K (5K) day in the fall and pull tab collection in the spring.

“We have such great support from our community in helping us collect tabs in businesses and schools as well as join us in our events that I think the Ronald McDonald has become the community’s Charity,” said Julia McCoy, ADPi Director of Philanthropy at WVWC.

No matter what the event or activity, there is always enthusiasm among the group of 39 to help. “Philanthropy is a big part of choosing an organization on the campus, and we are committed to making a difference for those at the Ronald McDonald House,” said Julia.

With their experience in college having a profound impact, Alpha Delta Pi sisters often continue their charitable work with the Ronald McDonald House following graduation.

A Wish List Collection with a Special Meaning

The students at Redeemer Lutheran High School participate in a senior project each year that encourages them to look outside of their own needs and to focus on the needs of others. Overseen by teacher John Driscoll, each student chooses a different organization and works all year long to make an impact on the community. Hayden Emanuele’s project was motivated by a personal experience. 

Hayden understands what it means to not be able to live in your own home. On August 12, 2023, he and his family and many neighbors were displaced from their homes due to an explosion in their neighborhood. For more than eight months, Hayden’s family lived elsewhere until it was safe to return. This tragedy that rocked his community inspired him to want to help others, who for whatever reason can’t be in the comfort of their own home. With RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown’s mission being to provide families a “home-away-from-home,” Hayden knew this was the Charity he was going to choose.

Walking through the Ronald McDonald House for the first time, he immediately saw the home-like environment it offers families. Though Hayden’s family was displaced for different reasons, he understood how important a place like this is to families at a stressful time in their lives.

With the help of his own family and school family, Hayden got to work hosting a wish list drive to fill the House’s pantries with the most needed items families can use. He collected so many items; he made two deliveries to the House. Additionally, he and some of his classmates made a lasagna dinner for families to enjoy.

Hayden’s parents, Amber and George, knew how important this project was to their son and joined him in supporting the Charity by underwriting two apartment sponsorships of their own. “He has so much empathy for these families. We are grateful as a family and school community to be able to be part of something so helpful to others,” Amber said.

Warming Hearts with the Comfort of a Meal

Nothing says home like the warmth and smell of a delicious homecooked meal. With the support of individuals, groups and organizations like the National Charity League - Pittsburgh Linxx Chapter, families staying at the Pittsburgh and Morgantown Houses are able enjoy this comfort of home even when they can’t be.

It's only April and the members of the Pittsburgh Linxx Chapter, a mother/daughter organization supporting different nonprofits as a way to serve others and inspire their daughters to be leaders in the community, have already prepared seven meals at the Charity this year. Volunteering at the Charity for nearly two years, each visit for this group has been a special experience.

“We love coming to the Ronald McDonald House. Everyone enjoys the camaraderie of working together to prepare the meal as well getting to know those who we are helping,” said Denise, Philanthropy Liaison for the organization.

In 2024, over 730 meals were served to RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown families with each one providing an invaluable comfort during busy days filled with doctor’s appointments, tests and/or procedures. Having a warm meal available gives families more time to spend at their child’s bedside and eases the worry of what they will eat that day.

“Families share with us how much they appreciate what we do, and we are grateful to be able to make such a positive impact in this way,” added Denise.