Ronald McDonald House Central Iowa: FAQ
 

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.

 

We have an Amazon wish list HERE that you can directly ship to our House from your own account!

What should I donate?
  • Donations off our Wish List or Amazon Wish List
  • Pop tabs 

  • Our most needed wish list items that are displayed on Facebook every Wednesday (@ronaldmcdonaldhousedsm)

  • Monetary donations (Visit our Donation page or send a check to our Blank House)

 

I want to help! How do I get involved?

Check out our Ways You Can Help page

 

How is RMHC Central Iowa funded?

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

What donations are NOT accepted?
  • Used toys or clothing
  • Used stuff animals
  • Food that was not made at either of our Houses or at a certified facility
  • Expired food
Can I provide a meal at Ronald McDonald House Central Iowa?
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 at each House?
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.
What is Ronald McDonald House Central Iowa's 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.

  • 2026: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa celebrates 45 years!

  • 2026: Ronald McDonald House as a global organization re-branded, creating a brand new look for Chapters all over the world. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa became Ronald McDonald House Central Iowa.

Have other questions?

Feel free to reach out to our team anytime! Please send an email to info@rmhdesmoines.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible. For urgent matters, please call (515) 243-2111.