Care Kits
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.
Grab-and-Go Meal Kits
Grab-and-Go meal kits provide families with a quick, easy meal to enjoy even on their busiest days. Follow these simple steps to make your Grab-and-Go meal kits:
- Purchase these handy boxes in which to pack the food.
- Buy packaged utensils and napkins (one per meal kit) to include in each kit.
- Make your food selections – use the suggestions on page 2 (PDF 138KB) for inspiration. Each meal kit serves one individual.
- Label each kit with its complete contents so families know what to expect and enjoy!
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:
- Purchase these grocery totes in which to pack the food.
- Buy packaged utensils and napkins (five per kit) to include in each kit.
- Make your food selections – use the suggestions on page 3 (PDF 138KB) for inspiration! Each meal kit serves five individuals.
Creating Toiletry Kits
When parents or caregivers have to travel far from home to stay near their hospitalized child, simple things like toothbrushes, shampoo, or hand lotion are often forgotten. But these items make a huge difference in helping parents feel refreshed and ready to face the day.
Each toiletry kit should include one each of the following travel-sized items, and can be collected in a gallon zip lock bag:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush (individually packaged and sealed)
- Body wash or bar soap
- Body lotion
- DO NOT include any razors, food, or other perishable items.
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]