Construction has begun on the new Ronald McDonald House at the entrance of Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock.
The new building -- three times the size of the existing Ronald McDonald House at 1009 Wolfe St. -- will be five stories tall and include 32 bedroom suites, each with a private bath, queen-size bed and a sitting area with extra sleeping space.
Other features at the new building include a large kitchen and dining room, laundry facilities, lactation rooms and family lounges on each residential floor. Plans also call for indoor and outdoor play areas, a wellness garden, a treehouse and a half-court for basketball.
The Ronald McDonald House is a place for families to stay while children are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
As part of a recent announcement about construction, officials also unveiled news about a donation from Tyson Foods Inc. The Northwest Arkansas-based company said it has donated $500,000 that will go toward the 80-person dining room in the new Ronald McDonald House and help keep its pantry stocked with products reflecting Tyson brands.
"With this donation, we hope to give families precious time together and help alleviate some of the stress that comes along with having a child in treatment," said Annetta Tirey, director of corporate social responsibility for Tyson Foods, in a news release. "This donation is about making sure that families have access to nutritious food that helps them be as comfortable and relaxed as possible so they can focus on what matters most -- their child."
Organizers have raised $7.5 million of the $8.5 million needed for the new Ronald McDonald House. Officials with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas said they will continue to raise money during construction, which will take about 14 months.
"We are inspired by the support of our lead donors, including McDonald's of Central Arkansas and Tyson Foods, on this momentous occasion," Katie Kirkpatrick Choate, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, said in the news release. "Little Rock has become a world-wide hub for innovative medical care, which is underscored by the need for this House. Nearing the end of our campaign, we look to our community for support to reach our goal."
Metro on 08/02/2015