Page 31 - Giving Guide_FINAL

A TIME FOR THANKS 31

Ronald McDonald House

donating gifts to teens, Plumlee holiday greeting cards, possibly “It just allows [parents] more “Food is so important to all of
recommends thinking about what homemade, blank cards in small time at the bedside with their us,” Plumlee said. “That one small
teens in your family would like to packs house staff could put in the kiddo, less to worry about,” thing, it’s expensive to feed a lot
receive — gift cards, movies, video welcome bags for the families, Plumlee said. of people. The more support we
game credit, craft stuff and STEM who may want to send holiday Easy-to-make meal donations get from the community the more
kits are common. cards to family or friends, the are also a significant need right we’re able to do for all the families
“And then things for parents wider support network, back now, as the Ronald McDonald that stay with us.”
too,” Plumlee said. Often, that can home. House is down volunteers — a “And we’re grateful for the
be crossword books, fun designed Outside of the holiday season, necessity due to the pandemic. community for sticking by us,” she
coloring books, fuzzy socks or Ronald McDonald House Charities Volunteers would normally added. “It’s kind of disheartening
gloves, lotion ... “Those sorts of for Idaho has a wish list available make at least one meal for all the for us to say we can’t have people
things that can just maybe, in a online — rmhcidaho.org — that families staying at the house, and come in and volunteer; at same
little way, be an extra little pick- is updated monthly. Often, items they would often bake cookies or time the reality is it is what it is and
me-up for the parents,” Plumlee can be purchased online and sent craft other goodies. we need to ensure our families
said. directly to the house. Now, ready-to-heat meals or and staff are safe.”
Community members are Hygiene products are also a big donations through restaurant Photos provided by
also encouraged to share need, as are snacks that are easy delivery are options community Ronald McDonald House
their creativity with crafted to pack/grab and go. members can provide.