The annual Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks Share a Heart Campaign is in the midst of its 32nd year, with donations being accepted at 70 McDonald’s Restaurants in the Ozarks, including Cassville.
Customers are encouraged to support their local families by adopting paper hearts for $1, $5, or $20. Supporters may enter a social media contest by posting a selfie with their heart(s) on Facebook, @RMHC.Ozarks, for a chance to win one of four $250 Great Southern Bank MasterCard gift cards.
For 30 days through February, 100% of Share a Heart proceeds will support families of seriously- ill and injured children supported by Ronald McDonald House. To recognize the impact of the Houses on their community members, more than 40 mayors in the participating region are being asked to support the campaign by proclaiming February 10-16 “Ronald McDonald House Week” in their towns. Cassville Mayor Bill Shiveley has issued the proclamation annually for many years.
More than 16,500 families have benefited from Springfield’s Ronald McDonald Houses, including 840 Barry County families, 197 of which are residents of Cassville.
In 2024, the Voris family, of Cassville, utilized housing assistance via Ronald McDonald House after their child was born early and required 39 days in the NICU.
“In April 2024, we welcomed Kennedy into the world 6-1/2 weeks early after 4 days of labor,” said Abby Voris. “I had been informed that she would need NICU time a few days prior to her birth since she was coming so early. After she was born, I was able to hold her for a few minutes before they took her to get admitted and hooked up to oxygen and everything else she needed.” Voris said the next morning, the NICU nurses informed her and her husband, Hunter, about the Ronald McDonald House.
“The day I was discharged, they had a room available for us,” Abby Voris said. “Since our home was over an hour away, we were nervous about how we would stay near our baby. We were so thankful to have the opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald House and have somewhere to eat, sleep, and shower that was just down the road from our daughter. This took so much stress off our plate so we could focus on Kennedy’s health.
“After 39 days, we got to take Kennedy home and she has adjusted to life well. We cannot express how much we appreciate the Ronald McDonald House staff and everything they provided for us. Thank you for keeping our family together during such a hard time.”
The Voris’ story, along with purchased hearts, are being displayed this month at the Cassville McDonald’s, owned and operated by Bill and Cody Mathews.
Help for Local Families — The Ronald McDonald House Mission
It’s hard to imagine receiving the devastating news of a child’s serious illness or injury. The Ronald McDonald House was built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child.
Families stay together, near the hospital, and are fully supported during the most difficult times of their lives. Worries about where to sleep and eat disappear and a huge financial burden is lifted. Onsite staff is available 24/7. On any given night, up to 24 families are staying at Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses, most traveling far from home for medical treatment.
The Ronald McDonald House near Cox South Hospital has 14 bedrooms and has welcomed families for over 36 years, and the 10-bedroom Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids has helped families for 12 years. Houseguests receive meals and snacks, laundry facilities, transportation to hospitals, and support from volunteers and staff who truly care. The most needed and appreciated benefit is families sharing hope, comfort, and a true understanding of having an ill or injured child.
For a video tour of both Houses, family testimonials, and more information, visit https://rmhcozarks. org.
The Share a Heart Campaign raised over $139,000 in 2024, helping support 753 families through the Ronald McDonald House program. Donations from the private sector provide 100% of the Ronald McDonald House operating expenses, which exceed $1 million annually.
