The evening was damp and cold, but spirits were merry and bright inside the Ronald McDonald House on Wednesday night.
The not-for-profit organization states on its website that “the Houses help families stay close to their children when they need treatment for a serious medical condition. The Houses provide a home-like setting, close to the region’s top hospitals, where families can stay free of charge for as long as necessary.”
Once through the threshold of the building, the smell of popcorn wafts into your nose, drawing attention to the popcorn machine off to the right of the front desk. Santa’s elves handed out passports, hinting at a Christmas scavenger hunt around the House.
Every inch of the House was kissed by Christmas, with dazzling decorations scaling from the ceiling down to the baseboards and sparkling Christmas trees in every room. Santa’s helpers walked around handing out sweet treats, while bowls of chilli were served to warm the bellies of the attendees, keeping them energized for the night that lay ahead.
Even Santa himself made a special trip all the way down from the North Pole to sit in on the festivities.
“The reason behind this event is beautiful,” said attendee Sarah Cord. “It brings faith back into humanity when the community rallies for the ones who need it.”
The joyful chatter of families currently staying at the House mingled with alumni returning to spread the holiday cheer, and conversations of attendees who came simply to support the event could be heard echoing throughout the halls.
The Christmas scavenger hunt included creating a tree ornament, locating Bobby the Bear and telling the popcorn maker (at the front) what movie he was watching— spoiler alert! he was watching the Grinch— getting creative in the elves’ workshop, decorating a gingerbread cookie, taking a photo with the gingerbread house cut-out located in the front living room, and last but not least, dressing up a hot chocolate and taking a photo with Santa.
“We know that we’re going to have 40 families living here over the holidays, and so we’re trying to fill the house with these beautiful moments,” said Meaghan Moore, director, advancement & external relations with Ronald McDonald House. “So, if you have to be in this house over the next few weeks during the holiday season, at least you can be in a space that feels like a warm hug.”
The tree lighting took place at approximately 6:30 p.m., and visitors danced to Christmas tunes in the parking lot before returning inside to finish off their scavenger hunts.
After completing each activity, participants received a sticker, and once the entire passport was filled, they could choose a gift from a wide assortment of presents.
The variety of toys available to take home once the passport was completed.Children and families spent the night embracing the Christmas spirit—all for a great cause.
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