The latest Ronald McDonald House, being built adjacent to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, will benefit from a $6,000 grant from the Middlesex County Firefighter’s Association.
The funds will help the house offer support to families of seriously ill children, providing a place to stay at times of stress and difficulty. The Somerset Street location, scheduled to open in April, is the 235th Ronald McDonald House in the world.
“We are here to help, not just during an emergency, but in any way we can,” said Donald Trout, president of IAFF Local 3451. “A big part of our job is helping the community. This new house is in our own backyard and we are looking forward to helping the children and their families.”
The Ronald McDonald House of New Brunswick is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a “home away from home” for the families of seriously ill children undergoing medical treatment at area hospitals. Being built adjacent to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Campus, the house offers families a comfortable and safe environment with easy access to the hospital, according to a press release from the organization. Room rates are $10 a night at the McDonald house, though families unable to pay are not turned away. The house has a fully equipped kitchen, living area, laundry room and playroom.
“We truly appreciate the generosity of the Middlesex County Firefighter’s Association,” said Corinne LeBaron, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch and New Brunswick. “The Ronald McDonald House depends on the support of the local community to keep its doors open for the families of seriously ill children.”
The Middlesex County Firefighter’s Association, Local 3451 of the International Association of Firefighters represents the men and women of the Middlesex County Hazardous Materials Unit along with the full-time fire instructors of the Middlesex County Fire Academy.