South Jersey Non-Profit Supports Sick Children and Families

Since 1983, the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey has provided a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill and injured children, who are being treated at nearby hospitals.

"We have 22 rooms, each for a family, where they stay while they (the children) are receiving medical treatment at one of the hospitals," said Teddy Thomas, President and Executive Director.

In addition, there are also 11 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms within pediatric units of hospitals across the region.

Their efforts have helped thousands of families over the last 31 years.

"We've taken care of more than 23,000 families at the House itself," she said.

Located in Camden, the facility includes a kitchen, living room, television lounges, computer rooms, play areas, and internet access.

The non-profit covers the 9 southern counties in the Garden State. Thomas said they are reliant on fundraising around the community, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of their annual budget.

"We work very hard to raise a lot of money, all across South Jersey, to support children in Southern New Jersey that need serious medical care," she said.

An important initiative has been the Teen Advisory Council, which was founded about four years ago. Through that program, students from 27 area high schools donate their time to help out around the House and raise money for the foundation.

They will host the Spare Some Love Bowling fundraiser on March 7, in Maple Shade. Last year's event raised over $16,000.

Thomas said the hard work and generosity from the group of teens has played a big part in helping Ronald McDonald House continually reach its mission, "to provide hope, help, and home to families of seriously ill children when they need it most."

Find out more about this great New Jersey charity and their upcoming events by visiting the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey website and Facebook page.