November. Thanksgiving. Family. Warmth. The best time of the year. Unless you have a child in the hospital, and you have to travel away from home to stay with him, and your world is turned upside-down with worry. 

        The Ronald McDonald Houses were founded to help ease some of the burdens of medical crises like these and allow families to stay together to support each other. The average length of stay is around 10 days, but families can stay as long as their child is receiving treatment, whether it’s for a night or for a year.

Want to help? Here’s a wish list:

1. Gifts for the holidays (for all ages): new toys, games, infant car seats, clothing, gloves, scarves, and new baby items

2. Gift certificates: WinCo gift cards, gas cards, and cards for restaurants within walking distance of the House

3. Food items for holiday dinners: turkey, stuffing, and baking supplies

4. Food items for around the House: frozen breakfast and dinners, pudding snacks, instant oatmeal, fruit cups, chocolate chips

5. Other items for the House: instant hand sanitizer, hot and cold disposable cups, white towels and bathmats

        November 20 is McHappy Day® for Idaho’s children and around the world. Order any breakfast or beef sandwich Extra Value Meal® and $1.00 from your purchase will go to support Ronald McDonald House Charities®. And from the 10-20th you can “Give A Hand” and purchase a paper hand for a $1.00 donation to RMHC®.

For more information on the Ronald McDonald House, visit rmhidaho.org or call (208) 336-5478.

Donna Bankhead is a contributing writer from Boise.