Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks: Annual ‘Share a Heart Campaign’ to help local families of ill and injured children

The annual Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks Share a Heart campaign kicks off for the 33rd year on January 29 at 70 McDonald’s restaurants in the Ozarks. Customers are encouraged to support their local families by adopting paper hearts for $1, $5, or $20. Supporters may enter a social media contest by posting a selfie with their heart(s) on Facebook @RMHC.Ozarks, for a chance to win one of four $250 Great Southern Bank MasterCard gift cards. For 31 days through February, 100% of Share a Heart proceeds will support families of seriously ill and injured children supported by Ronald McDonald House. To recognize the impact of the houses on their community members, over 40 mayors in the participating region are being asked to support the campaign by proclaiming February 9-15 “Ronald McDonald House Week” in their towns. McDonald’s of Branson, Forsyth and Hollister will proudly participate in the Share a Heart Campaign.

Help for local families: The Ronald McDonald House Mission

It’s hard to imagine receiving the devastating news of a child’s serious illness or injury. The Ronald McDonald House was built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child. Families stay together, near the hospital, and are fully supported during the most difficult times of their lives. Worries about where to sleep and eat disappear and a huge financial burden is lifted. Onsite staff is available 24/7. On any given night, up to 24 families are staying at Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses, most traveling far from home for medical treatment. The Ronald McDonald House near Cox South Hospital has 14 bedrooms and has welcomed families for over 37 years, and the 10-bedroom Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids has helped families for 13 years. Houseguests receive meals and snacks, laundry facilities, transportation to hospitals, and support from volunteers and staff who truly care. The most needed and appreciated benefit is families sharing hope, comfort and a true understanding of having an ill or injured child.

Over 17,400 families have benefited from Springfield’s Ronald McDonald Houses, including 1,381 Stone and Taney County families.

The Share a Heart Campaign raised over $116,000 in 2025, helping support 775 families through the Ronald McDonald House program. Donations from the private sector provide 100% of the Ronald McDonald House operating expenses, which exceed $1 million annually.