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Cookies From The Heart


Nothing tastes more like home than freshly baked treats warm from the oven.

A perfect opportunity for a group of friends, corporate team, scouts or school groups, Cookies from the Heart volunteers select their recipes, purchase ingredients, and make treats or grab-and-go snacks for families to enjoy. From brownies and Rice Krispies Treats to trail mix and puppy chow, the only limit is your imagination!

We supply all the kitchen tools – mixers, cookie trays, ovens, and more – so Cookies from the Heart volunteers simply bring the ingredients to make their treats on-site in our Ronald McDonald House kitchens.

Pattern Blue Dots
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Four women in a kitchen hold a sign that reads "Thank you Cookies from the Heart!"

Ready to make some treats for families? Select a location to view and sign up for Cookies from the Heart dates at each of our Ronald McDonald Houses.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: For the safety of all guest families, volunteers, and staff members, all volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to participate at RMHC-CNI locations.

View dates near Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn

View dates near Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield

View dates near UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago

View dates near Loyola University Medical Center in Hines

View dates near Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago

Cookies from the Heart FAQs


  • To ensure the safety of all volunteers, as well as the safety of the food being prepared, Cookies from the Heart volunteers must be at least 10 years old. Groups must include one adult volunteer for every three children between 10 and 17 years old.

  • No, the Houses provide all dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment to prepare and serve your treats. If you have a question about a specific item, please contact the House where you plan to volunteer.

  • If your group is larger than 4 people, we ask that you divide your group and volunteer on multiple dates. For the best experience and the safety of all participants, please do not bring additional volunteers.

    If you have a larger group interested in volunteering on the same day, contact our Volunteer Services team at [email protected] about baking at multiple Ronald McDonald House locations.

  • Please plan to volunteer for two hours. This includes time for baking and clean-up. For specific details about arrival times, please contact the House where you plan to volunteer.

  • No – to ensure food safety, all food preparation must be done at the House. Any food or groceries brought with you must be unopened and unaltered from the time of purchase. Catered food is allowed as long as it was prepared in a commercial kitchen and transported directly from the store or restaurant to the House in its original packaging.

  • No. Many children and families at our Houses have compromised immune systems or other health concerns, so all volunteers should be healthy and symptom-free for at least 72 hours before the volunteer shift.

    We ask that any group members who are feeling unwell stay home if there is a chance that they may be sick.

  • If you have questions about Cookies from the Heart that haven’t been answered above, please contact:

    Volunteer Services
    [email protected]

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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Hines, Il 60141

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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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