Ronald McDonald House at Stanford creates a home-away-from-home and supportive community for families of children with life-threatening illnesses receiving specialized treatment at local hospitals.

Built in 1979, Ronald McDonald House at Stanford was the fifth such House in the country. Since then, the House has grown from 13 to 47 bedrooms, 12 full time employees, and more than 100 volunteers.

Over the years the House has welcomed many families — up to a thousand a year — who have come to the area to provide their seriously ill child with the exceptional care offered at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital or Stanford Hospital and Clinics. As pediatric medicine and surgery have evolved and advanced, so too have the services available at the House.

Since its founding, the House has been able to request a low donation of $10 per night from the families. To keep the costs to families so low, Bay Area McDonald's owner-operators contribute approximately 7% of the operating budget, while over 85% is contributed by generous community members, businesses and foundations.

The House continues to welcome all families in need into its warm, supportive atmosphere, and never refuse to accommodate any family due to inability to pay.