FAQs

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA

There are different volunteer opportunities including providing meals for the Ronald McDonald House and snacks for the Ronald McDonald Family Room, deep cleaning the Ronald McDonald House or volunteering at a special event. Learn more by visiting our Volunteer Page. You can support RMHC of Central PA by hosting a fundraiser, providing Wish List items or making a donation.

RMHC of Central PA is solely funded by donations from individuals, organizations and corporations in the communities we serve.

Requesting A Room FAQ

A “home-away-from-home” for families of pediatric patients who are seeking critical medical care at Penn State Children’s Hospital.

Please bring any personal items that you may need while away from home. You will have clean bed linens and towels provided when you check in. We also have an assortment of personal care items (shampoo, soap, etc.) and food items for use during your stay.

Please call 717-533-4001 for additional information.

The House has 35 bedrooms with private bathrooms and televisions. Clean linens are provided at check-in; laundry facilities are available for washing your personal items or if you need clean linens during your stay. Guests have use of common areas including kitchens, dining rooms, lounges, and a playroom. The House also has free wireless internet access and several public laptops.

Yes. If you are on the wait list because the House is full, you must call back at least once daily until space is available. Discounted motel rates are sometimes available at local properties for lodging alternatives until rooms become available at the House.

Guests must check-in and complete an orientation between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. before using the facility. Registered guests have 24-hour key access to the building.

Up to four guests may stay in a room. Some rooms can only accommodate three adults. Cribs are available. Additional guests are subject to advance manager approval OR advanced manager approval.

 

Please view our Contact Us Page and click on the “Directions” on the map to enter your address and receive directions to our building.

Families must reside outside of the immediate Harrisburg/Hershey area – at least a 30-minute drive from Hershey. Priority is given to families traveling greater distances.

Families of pediatric patients under the age of 21 being treated at Penn State Children’s Hospital. Patients over the age of 18 must be a full-time student/dependent child. Parents under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult relative or legal guardian during their stay.

Ronald McDonald Family Room FAQ

Family Services offered at the 3rd and 4th floor lounges includes:

  • Small kitchen: refrigerator, microwave, snacks, coffee
  • Computer
  • TV Area
  • Daily visits by the Ronald McDonald Hospitality Cart, which delivers refreshments, snacks, arts and crafts, personal care items, and much more to pediatric patients and their families. The cart was generously donated by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.

RMHC of Central PA supports the lounges just off the 3rd and 4th floor elevators in the Children’s Hospital with volunteers and supplies. The lounges support Pediatric Acute, Hemoc/Oncology, PIMC, and PICU.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room is located on the 7th floor of Penn State Health M.S. Hershey Medical Center, just off the south elevator, steps away from the NICU, NCCU, and PPCU units.

Features include:

  • A community space to relax, rest or sleep
  • A shower with towels and personal care items available
  • A small kitchen featuring a microwave, refrigerator, snacks, and coffee
  • Computers
  • TV Area
  • Laundry facilities
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