The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware provides a temporary residence for families of seriously ill or injured children receiving treatment at area hospitals. In addition to providing a place to stay, the House offers nurturing and supportive environments where families can be together and find comfort. Many families travel far from home and spend several weeks or months to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children – a long time to be away or to divide a family. And, for children facing a serious medical crisis, nothing seems scarier than not having mom and dad close by for love and support. Since our doors opened in June 1991, we have welcomed nearly 50,000 families. In 2018, we served 1,910 families.

When families walk into a Ronald McDonald Family Room, we want them to forget they’re in a hospital. Often steps away from a pediatric or intensive care unit, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms offer families a place to rest and regroup right at the hospital, just moments away from their sick child. A statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the effects of family presence during a child’s hospital stay. Both children and parents showed lower levels of stress. Our Family Rooms at three Delaware hospitals provide support for families so that they can be with their children. The Family Resource Center is a partnership between Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and the Ronald McDonald House. The Center includes: showers, kitchen, laundry machines, coffee, vending machines, computers, wi-fi, telephones/fax machine/copier, and a library. The Family Resource Center is also home to three Sleep Rooms which provide overnight accommodations for a parent. The Ronald McDonald Family Room in Newark is located in the Special Care Nursery at Christiana Care. At this room, families can rest, watch television, and have a cup of coffee. There is also a play area for siblings to watch movies, play games and read books. Volunteers are able to provide child care for siblings if needed. The Room has televisions, computers, wi-fi, and a charging station. Additionally, the Ronald McDonald House coordinates monthly dinners. The Family Room at Kent General Hospital is a special place for families with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It includes a kitchenette, playroom and waiting area. All of our Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are open 24/7. Volunteers staff the rooms during the day, and we rely on donations to stock the rooms.