Around noon yesterday, Ronald McDonald House Charities sent out a call for help on social media, saying the organization was in desperate need of breakfast items.
By 4 p.m., the organization had more than 100 pounds worth of boxes full of Corn Flakes, Raisin Bran, Fruit Loops and cereal bars thanks to The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.
“We saw the post and immediately knew we could help,” said Lindsay Young Lopez, executive director. “Our Warehouse is stocked with cereal, so we immediately took inventory and put together what we could donate.”
Ronald McDonald House provides a home for families with children who are being treated at nearby hospitals. Typically, volunteer groups come in to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinners for families, however a recent spring break at the University of Missouri caused a shortfall of volunteers, said Heather McDaniel, community relations assistant there.
Adding to the crisis is the fact 18 families are currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House—more than 40 people.
“We were totally out of breakfast items,” she said yesterday as she watched Daryle Bascom, director of operations at The Food Bank, unload the boxes. “I think we were down to three boxes of cereal, so this is a huge help.”
Lopez said she is thrilled The Food Bank was able to step in and help. “We are happy to have been able to share food and bring hope to families staying at The Ronald McDonald House.”