When we think of McDonalds, we think of their great fries, or their big M logo, or even their Happy Meal boxes, but what we don’t all think of is their charity foundation. The first Ronald McDonald House was born on October 15th, 1974 in Philadelphia. The Ronald McDonald House was founded by Dr. Audrey E. Evans, a pediatric oncologist in Philadelphia, after seeing families wait all night in the hospital. She knew that there had to be a better way. Dr. Evans went to McDonalds’ top dogs and got them to agree that all the profit from the Shamrock Shake would go to the building of the first Ronald McDonald House. Since then, houses have popped up all over the place and there are currently 387 running Ronald McDonald houses.

The Ronald McDonald House is a building near a hospital that provides shelter and food in return for $25, but even if you can’t pay that, they will still give you shelter and food. In Ronald McDonald Houses, multiple families become one family and people make friends while being in the same unfortunate situation. The Ronald McDonald House is doing something that takes the money that you paid for your french fries with, and turning it into a way to help families in need. 

Middle School Social Studies teacher Mrs. Tyoe says, “The Ronald McDonald House is a charity that supports families with children who have serious illnesses or injuries. They provide housing close to hospitals so that families can be together.”

When asked how she thought of starting to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in middle school and why she started it, Mrs. Tyoe responded, “Mrs. Goyer emailed me the directions for the can tab collection over the summer; it is a very easy collection for our community. I liked that it is another way that we can support charity that we have been working with for years.”

Mrs. Tyoe explained that this is the first time we have collected can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  However, the middle school has done service in connection with the Ronald McDonald House for the past several years.  In February we will “Read for the House” and the entire middle school and faculty will be reading the same book.  Additionally, we make cards to send to children who are hospitalized.  There is a strong connection between the Ronald McDonald House and Malvern Prep.  

Mrs. Tyoe commented that she is unsure if other schools in the area collect can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, but that she thinks it is a really easy way to raise money that can be done by anyone!

Regarding whether any future charity events will happen Mrs. Tyoe said, “We have a few other events planned throughout this school year and we are always open to more ideas!  There are a few planned Christian Service events in the future such as trips, Pop-up Events, Micro Courses, drives, and ‘Read for the House.’  Friars should be on the look out for some of these opt-in opportunities!”

The Ronald McDonald house is making a big difference in so many peoples’ lives. Please help that cause by completing the simple task of donating tabs. Donating tabs is an easy way to donate that makes a big difference, so next time you’re drinking a soda or any canned drink with a tab, think about the Ronald McDonald House and make a difference.