Our Story

Ronald McDonald House Charities has been McDonald’s Charity of Choice for more than 40 years.

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, but McDonald’s is our largest corporate donor. McDonald’s restaurants are a significant partner in the development of all Ronald McDonald House Charities chapters around the world. Portions of the annual operating costs for RMHC-Northeastern Pennsylvania are graciously funded by McDonald’s and local McDonald’s Owner/Operators. The remainder of our annual operating income comes from the generosity of individual and corporate donors.

McDonald’s involvement extends beyond monetary support:

• Franchises partner with local RMHC Chapters for promotional and fundraising events.
• McDonald’s employees are dedicated volunteers.
• Owner/operators participate in local and global RMHC boards.
• RMHC Donation Boxes placed in restaurants are the largest source of ongoing fundraising. McDonald’s Owner/Operators graciously allow RMHC to place these donation boxes in the drive thru and on the front counter of their restaurants which makes it easy for the community to support families in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
• The sale of every Happy Meal at your local McDonald’s benefits RMHC 365 days a year!

Although McDonald’s is our largest corporate donor, no company can solely fund our programs and our projected growth. We need the support of the entire community and greatly value any support you can afford, whether it’s through cash donations, your time or fundraising efforts.

Our local McDonald’s owner/operators wholeheartedly support RMHC, RMH & RMCM by personally providing financial, volunteer and in-kind product support. Various fundraising activities happen inside and outside their McDonald’s restaurants. One such activity includes the placement of donation boxes in each restaurant.

A local Board of Directors oversees RMHC-NEPA and includes McDonald’s Owner/Operators as well as members of the medical community, business and civic leaders, parent/volunteers.

Our History

Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities was created in 1984 in memory of McDonald’s founder, Ray A. Kroc. Mr. Kroc practiced what he preached — he shared his business and personal financial success with others. That philosophy has characterized McDonald’s community commitment throughout its more than three decades of history. Northeastern Pennsylvania McDonald’s Owner/Operators continued Mr. Kroc’s tradition by establishing a local chapter in 1996.