30 Ways in 30 Days

#2
Prepare and serve a home-cooked meal

Many individuals and corporate groups donate their time to make meals for families at our Ronald McDonald Houses.  When families return from a long day at the hospital with their sick child, a home-cooked meal is often just what they need.

Candace Cressor has been a long-time volunteer of the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa Bay. She comes once a month without fail to prepare her special meals. Her slow-cooked roasts are a favorite for families who don't have the luxury of time to prepare such comfort foods.

Why does Candace invest the time and money to prepare these meals?  She loves the creativity of cooking.  But more than that, she loves to bring comfort to others.  "That makes me happy," she says.

If you'd like to use your skills to help Ronald McDonald House Charities, get in touch with your local Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.
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11 Comments

  •  says:

    A group of us cooked dinner for families staying at the Vancouver Ronald McDonald House, such a small gesture but a huge impact! The families were all so grateful to have a home cooked meal, allowing them to have a little more time with their family. We're doing it again soon!

    01/04/2009 6:55pm

  • Sarah says:

    My brother in law is fighting cancer and it so all consuming for his family. I am pledging a meal a week to them forever. When you first hear bad news you get help from everywhere, then it disappears. I am not allowing this to disappear...spread the love to anyone who needs help. That is why we are put on this Earth!

    01/04/2009 11:12pm

  •  says:

    When my Junior League committee cooked dinner for our local Ronald McDonald House one evening, I was so impressed that I decided to run this year's Outer Banks Marathon as a fundraiser for them! I'm 8% of the way to my fundraising goal.

    05/04/2009 6:02pm

  • Risa says:

    I am a nurse and gather a group of friends once a month to help prepare dinner for the families at RMH. It is a great feeling to help people outside of work! We have met the families going in and out who spend time with their children at the local hospital. They appreciate everything and it is a privilege to help them!

    13/04/2009 10:45am

  • Cheryl says:

    Our group is preparing to create a meal for the RMH in Philadelphia in June. We are looking forward to providing a hot meal to families that are in need. I'm sure it won't be the last time we do it.

    22/05/2009 10:48am

  •  says:

    Wish you guys a good luck.

    25/05/2009 7:51pm

  • Brooke says:

    Hi, Im Brooke. Im 16(almost 17) and me and my mom have ALWAYS talked about starting a project for mcdonalds. Our plan is to find a way to ship a "happy meal" overseas to every kid that is suffering and/or mistreated. Do you even REALIZE how "happy" they would be if they opened something like that? It even says "happy meal" on the front of it. Along with a little toy, we could even make it simple, like a cheeseburger plain and dry. They would be delited. I would be SOOOOOOOO happy if that was to happen, and would never ask for anything more than seeing a kid that happy. :) if you agree send your comments either over here or at my yahoo: brookequalls@yahoo.com

    Thanks (:

    07/06/2009 3:58pm

  • Vijay Swamidass says:

    If you are trying to coordinate meals for a family, CaringMeals.com can make your job easier. CaringMeals is the Evite for coordinating meals over a number of days.

    02/11/2009 10:29pm

  • Anna Shartzer says:

    My family and I cook Thanksgiving Breakfast for the Mobile Ronald McDonald House since 2007. It is by far one of my favorite things to do for the holiday :) I am 18 years old and I did it hoping to give hope to the children and parents of the house.

    28/01/2010 1:46pm

  • Joyous Levine says:

    Me and my family lived at the ronald McDonald house for about a year and it was always so helpfull when people came and cooked dinner. It meant my mom could rest and not have to worry about feeding us. Thank you guys so much for doing this for all the familys-belive me they appreiciate it a lot!!

    16/02/2010 5:38pm

  • David Sanchez says:

    I stayed at the RMHC in Austin and will never forget the homemade chocolate cake that Mrs Mary, and old lovely woman, bake for the houseguests there. With a slice of that cake I relaxed myself and forget just for a moment, the big problems I faced with my twin daughters at the NICU in St David´s Hospital...I close my eyes and I remember the amazing chocolate flavor. I think the secret ingredient was LOVE for people...

    11/03/2010 12:32pm

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