Ronald McDonald House

 

Joe Schultz from the Ronald McDonald House, spoke to Kiwanis about his position with the House.  He began as a once a week volunteer.  After volunteering for some time, the job of director opened and he was offered the position.  His wife still works as a volunteer.  His job consists mainly of fund raising.  He also visits with those staying at the House and tries to make sure their visit is as happy as possible.

        The Ronald McDonald House was built 30 years ago and is where families of very ill children, who are being treated at Riley Hospital, stay.  There are 58 rooms. The sickest children in the nation are treated at Riley and their families can spend some rest or down time at the House. The cost is only $15 per night or free if the family cannot afford the $15.  The actual cost would be $75 so donations help defer family expenses.  By using volunteers the House saves half a million dollars a year.  Over 1400 families used the facility last year.  Two hundred and forty (240) were families from Hancock County.

         Of interest was the fact that in 1971 a doctor at Riley, Dr. Morris Green, did away with visiting hours for parents of children at Riley.  It was shown that children seemed to get well sooner if parents were allowed to be with them more.  This started a trend with other hospitals and now most no longer have set hours for visitation.