Holidays at the House
The magic of the holiday season can bring joy to children of all ages. For a family impacted by childhood illness, the holidays can bring additional stress during an already difficult time. At the Ronald McDonald House, we go the extra mile to make the holiday season special for the children and families we serve. Because of you, our generous community, we ensure every family who walks through our doors is able to celebrate no matter their circumstance.
Thank you for your continued support during this time!
Please consider supporting the children and families in the following ways:
- Make a financial donation directly to the House
- Ship or mail toys/gift cards/donations directly to the House (850 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902)
- Order items to be shipped directly to the House from its Amazon Wish List, Target Community Registry, or Walmart Spark Good Registry
- Drop off toys or items at the House
If you are organizing a large donation, we would like the opportunity to properly thank you! Please call the House (507) 282-3955 to schedule a drop-off.
Each December, RMHC Midwest MN, WI, IA provides gifts for kids at the House to give to their parents, and parents at the House to give to their children. These gifts alleviate the stress and health risk of shopping in stores and relieves the financial burden during the holiday season while families are focusing on a child with illness.
How can I support the House?
There are many ways to support the children and families we serve.
You can make a financial gift online or order items to be shipped directly to the House from our Amazon Wish List, Target Community Registry, or Walmart Spark Good Registry.
Gift cards to local restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations are another highly requested item that can be mailed to the House (850 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55902).
How do I donate items at the House?
Pull up to the main entry of the House and ring the doorbell located on the brick pillar to the right. A staff member or volunteer will assist you. Carts are available for you to use to unload and transport your donation.
How do I make a financial contribution?
You can make a financial contribution from home by mailing it to RMHC Midwest MN, WI, IA (850 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902) or online. You may also pull up to the main entry of the House and ring the doorbell located on the pillar to the right of the door. A staff member or volunteer will greet you and let you in.
Are there any items you do not accept?
Due to the health concerns of the children staying at the House, items donated cannot be homemade and need to be brand new, unexpired, and in original packaging.
The House is no longer able to accept the following items:
- new or used plush items, such as stuffed animals and Beanie Babies
- used toys
- used books
- open scrapbooking and craft supplies
- unused or leftover fabric
- furniture
- artwork
- medical equipment
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thanks again for thinking of the House!
Can I tour the House?
We are excited to offer tours of the House! Please consider calling 507-282-3955 to confirm staff/volunteer availability for a tour during your expected donation time.
For weekend availability, please call 507-282-3955 to schedule a date and time.
You can also experience a the House virtually through our 3D Tour.
When does the House accept donations? Do I need to call to schedule my donation?
Donations can be dropped off at the House, seven days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. No notice is necessary.
To schedule a large donation, please call 507-282-3955.
Do toys/gifts need to be brand new? Should I wrap them?
To ensure the health and well-being of the children we serve, the House is only able to accept new, unopened, and unwrapped toys/gifts.
What are your most-needed items?
You can find the most-needed pantry and household items on the Seasonal Needs List. You can find toy/gift ideas on the Holiday Wish List. And you can also check out our Amazon Wishlist, Target Community Registry, or Walmart Spark Good Registry.
Can I purchase items for a specific family or meet the family who receives my donation?
To best support the needs of the thousands of families the House serves each year, donors are unable to purchase items for specific children or families. To protect the safety and privacy of guests, the House cannot share personal information about gifts and recipients. To read stories of families whose lives have been impacted by our mission, please visit the House blog.
I am/my group is interested in volunteering; how can we support the House?
Yes! The House is accepting applications for volunteer opportunities, including opportunities to support the House Dinner program.
Please contact Volunteer Director Katie Arnott for more information.
I have additional questions; who should I contact?
Please call 507-282-3955 and the House staff or volunteer will direct your call to who can best assist you.
Are you still accepting pop tabs? What about pop cans?
The House is accepting pop tabs and they can be dropped off in the plastic bin located outside the House. Pop cans are only accepted during Cans for Kids events (next: March 16, 2024).
My organization wants to host a wish list drive or fundraiser for the House; what do I need to do?
We are so grateful that you want to host a fundraiser or wish list drive for the House. Please visit the Community Fundraisers page to learn more, read the Community Fundraisers Guide, and fill out a Fundraiser Approval Form. For more information, please contact Development Officer Lauren Brown.
Make a Holidays at the House donation to support children and families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester!
