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Care Kits

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Several adults smile and stand alongside a table with boxes of Goldfish crackers and other individually packaged snacks.

Care kits are a great way for groups of all sizes and ages to get involved and support families.

Groups can participate from anywhere as long as one participant is able to deliver the kits to a House or Family Room.

The families we serve are often on the go between doctor appointments, hospital visits, and travel to and from the Houses. Care kits provide families with the essentials so they can stay by their child’s side.

You can prepare as many kits as you’d like at your school, office, hotel, community center, conference center, etc. – wherever works best for you and your group!

Share your positive messages or cards in the packs! Be creative, but please ensure messages are not religious and are appropriate for any family member, for example “Have an awesome day!” or “You’re doing great!”

Creating Meal Kits


Food is love at our Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Rooms and you can help spread the love families! Create either Grab-and-Go meal kits for families to enjoy during their stay or Welcome Home meal kits for families to take with them after they leave.

Here are a few tips for creating your meal kits:

  • Meal kits can only include nonperishable, shelf-stable items. Do not include food that needs to be refrigerated or frozen.
  • All food must be factory sealed and unaltered from the time of purchase.
  • Each kit should include one entrée, two sides, a beverage, and dessert.
  • Include packaged plastic utensils and napkins.
  • Label the kits with any expiration dates and common allergens.
  • Make as many kits as you’d like! There are no minimum or maximum quantity requirements – just make sure your kits are complete!

View our meal kits handout (PDF 138KB) to learn more about creating and delivering meal kits.

Welcome Home Meal Kits

Families have lots to juggle when returning home after their child’s hospital stay. Welcome Home meal kits ease this transition by answering the question of “What’s for dinner?” and give families one less thing to worry about. Follow these  steps to make your Welcome Home meal kits:

  1. Purchase these grocery totes in which to pack the food.
  2. Buy packaged utensils and napkins (five per kit) to include in each kit.
  3. Make your food selections – use the suggestions on page 3 (PDF 138KB) for inspiration! Each meal kit serves five individuals.

Delivering Care Kits

If you are planning to assemble care kits, we encourage you to reach out to our volunteer team in advance so they can help answer any questions and coordinate delivery to our Houses. Please contact:

Volunteer Services
[email protected]

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Snack items and travel-sized toiletry items

Make a Difference for Those in Need


Parents don’t know when their children will need medical help. But they should know they can have a place to stay. With your help, everyone will have a warm, friendly home away from home.

Get Involved Donate Now

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1301 W. 22nd Street, Suite 905
Oak Brook, IL 60523

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The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald's, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and Keeping families close.

RMHC-CNI is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to RMHC-CNI are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. A copy of the RMHC-CNI determination letter is available upon request.

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Celebrate 45 years of serving families!
For 45 years, families have relied on us for a comfortable bed, warm meals, and all the support they need while their child is in the hospital.
Your gift today helps us continue this legacy of support for families.

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Care Kits