Shreveport, La. (The Shreveport Sun – Online) – A brand new Ronald McDonald House is on the horizon for Shreveport, Louisiana. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana (RMHCAR-NLA) recently unveiled their plans to construct a state-of-the-art facility that can accommodate up to 20 families. This exciting development was announced as part of their Where Hope Has a Home campaign.
The initiative, led by Roy Griggs, CEO of Griggs Enterprise, Inc., and a McDonald’s owner/operator, aims to address the pressing need in northwest Louisiana for families to have access to cost-free accommodations and the vital support they require while their children are hospitalized. As of now, the region lacks such a facility, even though there are 386 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide.
Griggs, who also chairs the campaign, reported that over $6 million has already been raised for the construction of this much-needed refuge.
Dubbed the Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier, the facility will serve as a sanctuary for 20 families whose children are undergoing treatment at local hospitals. These families will be offered a comfortable environment, including private double queen rooms, daily essentials, laundry facilities, indoor and outdoor play areas, a welcoming family great room, a spacious kitchen, a dining area, and a well-stocked family pantry. Volunteer groups from the area will provide meals, and transportation to and from local hospitals will also be arranged for families.
This will be the first ronald mcdonald house in northwest louisiana
Lori Moore
Lori Moore, a Louisiana native and the mission director for Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This will be the first Ronald McDonald House in northwest Louisiana. We’re so excited to be able to provide a home away from home for families of critically ill children who are seeking treatment at all local Shreveport-Bossier hospitals.”
Janell Mason, CEO of RMHCA-NLA, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are thrilled to expand our reach to support families in northwest Louisiana. Since we opened our first Ronald McDonald House in Little Rock in 1981, we have provided more than $47 million in free lodging, meals, and support to more than 48,000 families from Arkansas and surrounding states, as well as from across the United States and other countries. Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier will serve as a beacon of hope for families facing unimaginable challenges, offering a warm and welcoming environment where they can find respite and support during difficult times. To achieve this goal, we are calling upon the generosity and support of individuals, local businesses, foundations, and organizations who share our dedication to supporting families who need to be close to their child in the hospital. We invite you to be a part of this campaign by donating, volunteering, or partnering with us to create a restful haven for these families.”
Construction is slated to commence in early 2024, with the completion anticipated by 2025. This exciting project promises to provide solace and support to families during challenging times, filling a significant void in the northwest Louisiana community.
