The Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House located in Loma Linda. It is the home away from home for the families of children who are in hospital.
It was recently remodeled and more than doubled in size thanks to a generous gift from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
The need for low-cost temporary lodging for families is high. The demand will undoubtedly increase based on the expansion of the new Loma Linda University Hospital.
Each year, approximately 1,800 families or 6,500 individuals are guests at The House that Love Built.
The day-to-day operations of IE Ronald McDonald House depends heavily on volunteers who do everything from light maintenance to preparing meals. Fontana POA is consistently one of the numerous volunteer groups.
“Most of us don’t experience the pain and fear of having a critically ill child who is in hospital,” explained Jason Delair, Fontana POA President.
“In policing,” he continued, “we see people everyday in a lot of pain but while we’re on duty, we’re in a different role and what we can do to help is limited by federal and state laws.”
Delair pointed out that volunteering at IE Ronald McDonalds House allows off-duty Fontana police officers a different and enormously-rewarding way to help.
“It gives us the opportunity to show people how much we care about their wellbeing, and it keeps us connected with the community,” Delair said.
Karen Hooper is the Executive Director of IE Ronald McDonald House. She described the many ways in which people can help, from light housekeeping, light gardening, cleaning the yards and lots and of course meal preparation.
She noted that Fontana POA regularly prepares meals for families, but when the newly remodeled House was being furnished, it was Fontana POA members who went above and beyond.
Hooper explained that, “Posturepedic Mattresses had contributed a truck load of new mattresses that needed to be carried to all the rooms including rooms on the second and third floors.”
“The Fontana police officers were there for us,” she said. “They carried those heavy mattresses up the stairs, and delivered them in no time. And later that evening they even cooked dinner,” Hooper explained. “I don’t know what we would have done without their volunteer help.”
If you, your family, church or civic group would like to know more about volunteering at the IE Ronald McDonald House, call Sara Tehranirad at 909-747-1285 to explore all the opportunities.