Three Ways You Can Help:

When a child is facing serious illness, everything else in life is put on hold. For families traveling to Rochester for medical care, having a place to stay shouldn't be another burden to carry.

That's where the Ronald McDonald House steps in, providing a home away from home for families of children receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic. 

Last year alone, the 72-room House served 1,508 families, provided 18,423 nights of lodging, served 22,325 meals and benefited from 19,485 volunteer hours. 

"It's easy to be passionate about the mission here," says Lauren Brown, Development Communication Manager. "Knowing we're providing a little relief and taking some worry off families' shoulders so they can focus on their children is incredibly meaningful."

For families who stay weeks or even months, relationships naturally form.

"We're all rooting for them on their journey," Brown says. "And it's always bittersweet saying goodbye because we get to know the families so well."

Ronald McDonald House Charities operates more than 380 program worldwide, and the Rochester chapter is among the top 20 largest in the United States - a reflection, Brown says, of both the region's unique medical ecosystem and the generosity of the local community.

The spirit of support continues to grow. A longtime dream became reality with the opening of a Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Mayo Clinic's Saint Marys Hospital. Designed as a cozy, home-like space with games, books, healthy snacks and quiet areas to decompress, the Family Room also includes three sleep rooms for caregivers.

"To be able to support even more families with this Family Room is truly a dream come true," Brown says.

How You Can Help

1. Volunteer. Opportunities range from serving as a "House Warmer" at the front desk to preparing food, cleaning, stocking supplies or leading evening family activities. Volunteers are also needed at the Saint Marys Family Room during daytime and evening hours. It's one of the most meaningful ways to see the mission firsthand. 

2. Provide a meal. Meal group volunteers help serve a meal at the House every single day. Families, businesses, school groups or friend groups can cook onsite, cater a meal, or sponsor one while staff facilitates. Shared meals are one of the few times all families gather in one space, creating connection and comfort for House guests. 

3. Donate. It costs approximately $115 per day, per room to keep the House operating. Monetary gifts, fundraisers and in-kind donations from the organization's wish list all help ensure families can stay close to their children without worrying about lodging or food costs. 

At a Glance

Founded: Opened as Northland Children's Service in 1980 before becoming licensed as a Ronald McDonald House in 1990.

Mission: "Ronald McDonald House Southeastern MN and Western WI operates the 72-room House in Rochester, Minnesota, providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare."

Location: 850 Second St. SW, 507-282-3955, Ronald McDonald House Southeastern MN and Western WI