LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - It started with one. One child in need. One family looking for help. One doctor with an idea. One community joining forces to build the first Ronald McDonald House.
And, just one penny can make a difference today in the lives of children and families.
So far Arkansans have donated $130,000 in spare change and nationally more than 25 million dollars has been raised.
On Friday, July 1, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is asking you to continue to support their 1 campaign and 'Join RMHC for 1' by adding one penny, one dime, quarter or dollar to the RMHC Donation Boxes at local participating McDonald's restaurants.
Come to a participating McDonald's to donate your spare change - whether it's one penny, one quarter, one dollar - and help create big change for families and children in your community.
The mission of RMHC is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. One of those vital program is Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home for out-of-town families with children being treated at a hospital.
"If you can imagine that you have a sick child and then compound on that that you live three or four hours away from the best treatment available and you want to be as close as possible," explains Emily Piechocki with Ronald McDonald House.
"We ask them for a ten dollar donation per night, but most of our families do not pay, which is fine and why we need other's people help."
Tomorrow's event is calling awareness to the need for funds, but you can donate year-round at any McDonalds. Just look for the donation box at the register.
(Source: Ronald McDonald House Charities)