Peoria IL—Ronald McDonald House Charities has long served as a ray of hope for families going through some of the most trying times in their lives. This communal facility offers families with severely ill children a home away from home, much more than just a place to stay. The impact is profound, even though the mission is simple. Numerous families have received free consolation, support, and comfort through the Peoria house.

According to Wendy Jaggard, the house manager at the Peoria location, the goal is to keep families together during their most trying times. “Our objective is to alleviate some of the unbearable stress that families are experiencing. We give them the room, food, and tools they need to concentrate on what really counts—the health of their child.”

Established in 2019, the Peoria Ronald McDonald House is next to some of the area’s best hospitals, such as OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. 

Parents and other loved ones can remain near their child during lengthy hospital stays or crucial treatments, in large part thanks to this closeness. In times of need, the house provides a refuge with 22 guest rooms, shared kitchens, laundry rooms, and peaceful areas for self-reflection.

Jaggard has seen firsthand the importance of families living near the hospital. “Where to sleep or how to pay for a hotel room are the last things parents should be concerned about while their child is in the hospital. We’ve taken away one of their worries here.”

Families benefit from both physical and emotional support, which instills a significant impact in some of their hardest times. The connections made within the Ronald McDonald House’s walls support many people. They get to know other families going through similar struggles, and they may become acquaintances long after they depart.

“We’ve seen families become like extended support systems for one another. It’s a shared experience that brings them closer,” Jaggard said.

The role of the community in upholding the mission was emphasized by Austin Wilson, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois.

“None of this would be possible without the support of volunteers, donors, and local businesses. Whether it’s individuals preparing meals, companies donating funds, or people running in a 5K to raise money the Peoria community has rallied behind us.”

The community’s dedication to supporting underprivileged families is demonstrated by the fact that the house is entirely funded by donations and volunteer labor. Wilson shared that over 2,500 volunteers assist with the house’s operations annually, helping with duties like meal preparation, housekeeping, and planning family-friendly events.

“Even the smallest amount matters,” Wilson stressed. “Having such a solid network of people who support our mission is a blessing. It is humbling to realize that we can truly make a difference in these families’ lives, and there is something unique about witnessing the community come together to support one another.”

The gratitude is overwhelming for many. Jaggard thought back to a recent letter from a family who remained at home while their baby had emergency surgery. “They told us that without the House, they don’t know what they would have done. They didn’t want to be far from their child, but they also couldn’t afford to spend weeks at a hotel. We do what we do because we were able to keep them close during one of the most terrifying periods of their lives.”

Beyond the families it serves, the Ronald McDonald House has a significant impact. Its presence in the community cultivates empathy and accountability. Volunteer opportunities, events, and fundraising allow locals to actively participate in their backyard, taking an active role to make a difference.

“We truly believe that what we do touches not just the families but the whole community,” Wilson said. “We’re here for the long haul, and as long as families need us, we’ll continue to do whatever it takes to support them.”

The Ronald McDonald House in Peoria is quickly becoming more influential. There will always be a need for a place to stay, food to eat, and support for families in crisis. For many years to come, the House will continue to be that ray of hope because of individuals like Austin Wilson and Wendy Jaggard, as well as the unwavering efforts of the Peoria community.