The Southwest Voice

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The girls of troop 605 were devastated earlier this year when one of the girls in their troop became very ill with an auto-immune disease and after about a month long stay at the Valley Childrens Hospital, she passed away at the age of 12.  During her stay at the hospital, her parents were given a room to stay at the Ronald McDonald House next door. 

Having a room to stay in by the hospital meant so much to her parents.  After they came home, the little girl's mom, Katrina, (who is one of the leaders of Troop 605)shared with the girls how grateful she was to the Ronald McDonald House.  The girls of Troop 605 decided that they wanted to give back as a way of saying thanks.

The Ronald McDonald house (which is not funded by Ronald McDonald's) relies on donations from the community.  Our girls decided that they wanted to collect laundry soap and dryer sheets.  They asked friends and family for donations and they also held a car wash.  They were able to bring a large amount of donations to the Ronald McDonald House.

On May 3rd  the girls brought their donations, along with sandwich trays, fruit and cookies for the families, to the facility in Madera.  While there, they were able to help with simple chores like cleaning the playroom, sweeping, washing windows, etc.  It was very rewarding and fullfilling for these girls.  We have decided to make this trip a couple times per year and will collect donations of new stuffed animals and new or used DVD's this time.

If anyone has not been to or had any experience with the Ronald McDonald house, let me tell you that this is such a wonderful place.  For just $15 a night for families, they can have a place to take a nap or shower or get something to eat.  They can be right there by their child.  You just can't imagine what that means.