FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do I ship or drop off my donations?

Items can be dropped off or shipped to our House near Blank Children's Hospital – 1441 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50314.  

 

What should I donate?

 

What donations are not accepted at RMHC Central Iowa?

  • Used & run-down toys.

  • Used stuffed animals.

  • Used clothing.

  • Food that wasn’t prepared in the RMHC Central Iowa or at a certified facility.

  • Expired food.  

 

I want to help! How do I get involved?

Check out our Ways You Can Help page

 

Does RMH provide meals?

Yes! Meal provider volunteers prepare a dinner every night at 6pm for our families utilizing the Ronald McDonald House. We reserve our volunteer kitchen from 3-6pm for these volunteers. This gives families a hot meal to come home to, and a feeling of home. 

 

How many families can stay in each House?

 

How is RMHC Central Iowa funded?

Generous individuals and compassionate organizations from across Iowa donate 96% of our operating income. 


Can I make a donation in honor or in memory of someone?

Yes, please include the name of the honoree when making an online or mailed donation. If you wish, a tribute card can be sent to that person, acknowledging the gift.


Why are you called Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa?

Our name reflects the fact that while we serve families from all over the world, the majority of our families are residents of Central Iowa.  


RMHC Central Iowa History

  • 1981: Children’s Oncology Services, Inc., builds an 11-bedroom home near Methodist hospital in Des Moines, Iowa to serve pediatric cancer patients & their families

  • 1996: Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. legally becomes Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)

  • 1997: RMHC adds another room, becoming a 12-bedroom facility

  • 2010: RMHC adds private bathrooms for all residents

  • 2011: Midwest Living magazine helps remodel all common areas, creating a modern space for residents.

  • 2011: The Ronald McDonald Family Room (RMFR) inside Mercy Hospital opens. It features napping rooms, bathrooms, laundry, and a kitchen

  • 2016: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa celebrates is 35th year anniversary.

  • 2016: The Ronald McDonald House McDonald Family Room celebrates its 5th year anniversary

  • 2017: Hubbell Realty builds a brand new 18-bedroom Ronald McDonald House on the same site as part of their Extreme Build Project

  • 2020: The Ronald McDonald Family Room Closes as a new 14-bedroom Ronald McDonald House opened on the 4th floor of MercyOne Children’s Hospital.  

  • 2021: RMHCCI celebrates its 40th anniversary and The Ronald McDonald House inside MercyOne Children's Hospital expands to 17 bedrooms. 

  • 2021: The Ronald McDonald House inside MercyOne Children's Hospital expands from 14 bedrooms to 17 bedrooms.