A Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides long-term lodging for families whose children need extensive medical treatment. A Ronald McDonald Family Room is a smaller, respite space inside a hospital (like a NICU or clinic) offering snacks, showers, rest areas and a calm break from the clinical setting for families with kids getting care. Houses offer overnight stays for extended stays, while Family Rooms offer shorter, immediate relief within the hospital walls.
The Idaho Falls Ronald McDonald Family Room opened in September 2019 inside Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) to provide a home-like respite for families with sick kids at the hospital, filling a critical need for nearby lodging, especially for families from surrounding states like Wyoming and Utah, and even local ones needing to stay close during long treatments in neonatal or pediatric intensive care units. Supported by community fundraising and donations, it offers comfort just steps from their child’s bedside, serving families from across the region.
When a child is hospitalized, families shouldn’t have to worry about the necessities of life while caring for their child. Our local Ronald McDonald Family Room serves as a cozy, home-away-from-home where families can catch their breath, rest and remain close to their hospitalized child.
Inside their door, families find simple comforts that mean everything on a hard day: a warm meal ready when needed, hot showers, laundry machines and quiet sleep rooms where caregivers can get a night’s rest while hospital staff care for their child. Everything is offered at no cost to families thanks to caring donors, community partners, and the time and talent of dedicated volunteers.
“Our family room runs on kindness,” said Deborah Chessey, Development and Community Outreach manager. “Every hour given and every wish-list item donated helps us serve families so they can remain close and focus on their child receiving hospital care. We are so grateful for the help of organizations, such as Just Serve, that help us connect with local volunteers to care for families with hospitalized children.”
“As I have served in the Ronald McDonald Family Room, I have gained a deeper compassion for those around me that are in need, shared Niki Blackwell, Family Room Specialist. “Wonderful relationships and bonds have been developed during the time our guests have been with us. Gratitude is expressed numerous times for the support we have given to those in need. Serving there instils a genuine compassion and concern for those we help. It warms my heart when the families come back for us to see how their children have progressed and they often give back by volunteering at the family room.”
Youth groups, families, and leaders can go to rmhicidaho.org to support the Ronald McDonald Family Room by preparing meals, assembling welcome or comfort kits, stocking pantries, running drives, providing blankets, helping with projects and fulfilling wish lists online.
For anyone wondering whether a few hours a month can change a life, the answer is yes —and it’s waiting behind the Family Room door. RMHC of Idaho provides training and flexible shifts.
Individuals can volunteer, bring a friend, organize a group or rally a corporate team. They can cook a meal, collect wish-list items, host a supply drive or make a monetary donation; every bit makes a difference.
Internationally, RMDHC provides millions of overnight stays and supports over 800,000 families annually. To get involved, visit RMHCidaho.org to learn more about volunteering, giving and how to use the Family Room. You can also volunteer at JustServe.org.