Non Profit Spotlight: Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay
March’s non-profit organization, Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay, is comprised of four “Houses” – three in St. Petersburg and one in Tampa. They are owned and operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay and offer 80 bedrooms with private baths. St. Pete West (with 18 bedrooms) opened in 1980. Adjacent to All Children’s Hospital, it was the first “House” in Florida. St. Pete East, the largest area “House” with 34 bedrooms, opened next to All Children’s Hospital in 1996 and St. Pete Central, which opened in March 2010, is located inside the new Outpatient Care Center at All Children’s Hospital. This house offer 14 bedrooms for all families with children receiving treatment in the hospital. The fourth “House” is in Tampa on Davis Island, adjacent to Tampa General. Many families travel far from home to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children. The treatment may last a day, a month, or even longer. It’s a long time to be away from home, or to divide a family. In 2012 Ronald McDonald House cared for 1,751 families who came from Florida, 28 states and 12 countries to stay an average of 8 days while their child received treatment in one of many fine bay area hospitals. Ronald McDonald House offers families a way to stay together, in proximity to the treatment hospital, and be comfortable and cared for during their stay.
Services for Families: At every House, families can enjoy:
- Home-cooked meals
- Private bedrooms
- Playrooms for children
- Computer rooms
- Fully-equipped laundry rooms
- Caring volunteers & staff
The generosity of volunteers and donors make it all possible. Although families are asked to donate towards their stay, no payment is mandatory, and no one is ever turned away due to inability to contribute.
To learn more about this organization, to volunteer or donate, please visit their website: www.rmhctampabay.com or call or visit them at:
- St. Pete East: 401 7th Avenue, So., St. Petersburg, FL 33701; Tel: (727) 821-8961
- St. Pete Central: 601 5th Street So., St. Petersburg, FL 33701; Tel: (727) 821-8961
- St. Pete West: 702 8th Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; Tel: (727) 821-8961
- Tampa: 35 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606; Tel: (813) 254-2398
Please Remember… March 20th is International Day of Happiness!
