Comfort & Joy in Action: McDonald’s Brings Holiday Cheer to RMHC Bay Area Families

Photograph of a group of people posing together in a conference room, celebrating the partnership between McDonald's and Ronald McDonald House Charities. A blue banner at the bottom highlights "Founding & Forever Mission Partners" with a circular inset showing a colorful Ronald McDonald House decorated with hearts, emphasizing support for families.

The holidays are meant for gathering, celebration, and cherished traditions. For many families staying at Ronald McDonald House Bay Area, however, the season is spent far from home, focused on their child’s medical care and navigating an incredibly challenging time. 

This year, our Founding & Forever Mission Partner, McDonald’s, helped transform the holidays into moments of comfort, generosity, and joy for families who needed it most. 

Across the Bay Area, McDonald’s owner-operators and restaurant teams stepped up in meaningful ways. From hosting toy collection bins in local restaurants to volunteering in our holiday Toy Shops, their hands-on support brought warmth and relief to families during an emotionally demanding season. 

Photograph collage showing festive holiday scenes with people posing in front of Christmas-themed decorations and gift-wrapped boxes. Key elements include large gold presents with red bows, colorful balloons, star ornaments, and tables covered with holiday wrapping paper and supplies, highlighting a celebratory and gift-preparation setting.

Local owner/operators like Valerie Kilduff and her teamvolunteered at our Stanford House Toy Shop, helping family’s free shop and wrapping gifts for their children. Valerie also hosted toy collection bins at her restaurants, collecting more than 120 toys and gifts to brighten the season!  

Teams from the McDonald’s Walnut Creek field office also rolled up their sleeves to support our Toy Shops, donating toys, wrapping gifts, and helping families experience the simple joy of choosing something special for their child. 

A group of four people smiling and holding wrapping paper. There is a Balloon arch and Candy Land banner behind them.

Every toy wrapped, every bin filled, and every hour volunteered sends a powerful message to families: you are not alone. Because of McDonald’s continued partnership and generosity, families feel a little more at home during one of the most challenging times in their lives. 

Thank you to our McDonald’s owner-operators and teams for being there, not just during the holidays, but all year long.