Neighboring Communities

Along with the many Austin groups who faithfully support Ronald McDonald House Charities, we have a growing number of groups from surrounding communities that are now becoming a part of our great host of donors. Here are just a few of the most recent new supporters.

Women’s Christian Fellowship First United Methodist Church, Bastrop

When Helen Nelson heard a presentation in Smithville about the Ronald McDonald House, she knew she had to get Marty Habich and the Women’s Christians Fellowship to hear the presentation.  On January 13th the Women of Bastrop United Methodist Church of Bastrop not only heard the presentation but they also heard the call to help. 

During the months of February and March the women collected much needed items from the Ronald McDonald House Wish List.  On Wednesday, April 15th, they delivered the items and toured the House.  Marty quickly became friends with one of the families at the House, Nicole McDougall and her son, Tarell Sutherland, from Belize.  Marty made arrangements the following week to pick up Nicole and Tarell and take them to Bastrop so that they could take part in the church services and go out to lunch with some of the women.

Many thanks to Marty and the women of UMC Bastrop for your generous support of Ronald McDonald House and the families we serve.

LCRA Employees' United Charities Donates $6000

LCRA Employees’ United Charities, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which is celebrating 20 years of giving, is also helping Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas celebrate 25 years of serving children and families by making a $2,500 donation for the “Wishing Wall”. Accompanying the recent $2,500 donation for the “Wishing Wall”, an additional $3,500 was donated to help Ronald McDonald House Charities continue serving the families who depend on us for lodging and support services.

United Charities is funded through a voluntary payroll deduction plan in which LCRA employees participate. Employee committees at various LCRA work locations review grant applications to determine funding. Special thanks to employees from the following United Charities chapters: Fayette Power Project/Smithville Railcar Fleet Services, Ferguson Power Plant, General Office Complex/Bergstrom Technology Center, Service Center and Bastrop Chapter. 

New Horizons Lions Club Supports Ronald McDonald House Famililes

New Horizons Lions Club has donated over $40,000 to community programs annually since 1997. Knowing that families in and around Giddings use the Ronald McDonald House in Austin when they have a seriously ill or injured child, the 74-member New Horizons Lions Club selected the Ronald McDonald House in Austin to receive a gift of $250. Last year Giddings families were among the 800 families who stayed at the Ronald McDonald House from the 60 counties we serve. On behalf of all of these families, thank you New Horizons Lions Club for your generous donation. We look forward to a long partnership with you and the community of Giddings. 

Sun City Kiwanis Supports Families with Hospitalized Children

Special thanks to more than 80 Sun City Kiwanis members who donated wish list items to Austin's Ronald McDonald House in August. The wish list items donated are common household items that any family would need - but enough for 30 families. In addition, the club donated $111.00 which can pay for one week of transportation for families without vehicles to visit their children at the hospital. "We look forward to a long term relationship with the Sun City Kiwanis members," said Beverly Seffel, Director of Community Relations.

Bastrop Girlfins Decorate and Adopt a Room, and More!

"Our goal was to create a comfortable place for families to stay during a very difficult time. Our hope is that they know that there are people in Bastrop who care" said Nancy Beal of the Girlfins, a Bastrop women's group.

The Girlfins raised funds to adopt a room at the Ronald McDonald House. In addition, they decorated the room and have sponsored the Memorial Garden for one year. They were not sure how donations would flow since the recession hit, but every Girlfin gave a generous donation, and friends and family supported the effort. "We were able to meet our goal and then some," Nancy gladly reported. 

San Marcos Kiwanis Club Donates $250

When the San Marcos Kiwanis Club realized that one San Marcos family had stayed at the Ronald McDonald House 167 nights while their child was in an Austin hospital, the club knew they wanted to help.

They donated $250.00 to help the Ronald McDonald House continue to provide a place for families to stay near the hospital. Since 1923 the San Marcos Kiwanis Club has been raising funds to support local youth programs. In addition to the many programs they support in San Marcos, they are now proud supporters of Austin's Ronald McDonald House which serves families from over 49 Texas counties. 

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Adopts a Room

Adopting a room at the Ronald McDonald House is a commitment of both time and money, and Bluebonnet Electric Co-op met both challenges.  "Sponsoring this room was an offering of time, love and respect for an organization that only exists to lend comfort to those who need it," said Mycha Harris of the Bastrop group's efforts. Bluebonnet's Government Affairs and Economic Development employees and Communications staff furnished and decorated the "Bluebonnet Room" in the Ronald McDonald House.

According to the Bluebonnet staff, "There is an air about the place (the Ronald McDonald House) that blankets even visitors with comfort and safety."

Thank you, Bluebonnet Electric! We are grateful for your generosity that enables us to provide a comfortable place for all the families who come to us.