MILWAUKEE — A special cart from Ronald McDonald House Charities visits Children's Wisconsin twice weekly, offering necessities and toys to families with hospitalized children.
The cart, which stops at Children's Wisconsin every Tuesday and Thursday, provides families with basic necessities and toys for children receiving treatment.
Laurie Bertrand serves as CEO and President of Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin.
“We just knew there was more we could do at the Ronald McDonald House, and we knew there were families that we were serving at the house. But there were a lot of families here that we knew had things they wanted and needed, and any kids staying here that have the opportunity to visit the cart will find something that will bring them some joy,” said Bertrand.
Watch: Ronald McDonald House cart brings joy to families at Children's Wisconsin
The initiative began 10 years ago as a way to bring joy and healing to families with children in the hospital.
Lauren Reilley, a child life specialist, sees firsthand how these small gifts impact patients.
“They’re going through some of the most difficult times of their lives here in the hospital, and through something as simple as a little toy or a comfort item like a stuffed animal, they’re able to find joy in those really difficult times they’re going through,” Reilley said.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the program's success.
“We help them pick out something. If we’ve seen something, they’ll say, ‘Oh, they’re into Legos or Spider-Man.’ We try to pick out something that they’ll like,” said Susan Frank, who volunteers with the program.
Last year, the cart provided over 6,000 items to families and children. An updated cart will allow for even more giveaways this year, made possible through funding from Kohl's.
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