A place to stay, a warm meal, and a little breathing room can make a difficult time easier for families whose children need medical care far from home. Now, a northern Nevada nonprofit that provides that support is getting a new name and inviting the community inside to learn more about what it does.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Nevada is becoming Ronald McDonald House Northern Nevada as part of a global rebranding effort. The organization is holding open house activities Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 13-15, with tours and opportunities to talk with staff about its services.
The three-day event will wrap up with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, hosted by the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce. The event will include appearances by McDonald’s Hamburglar and the Nevada Cheer mascot.
While the name and visual identity are changing, the services families depend on will remain the same.
The nonprofit provides free lodging and support for families who travel more than 30 miles to Reno and Sparks for their children’s medical care. Its services include meals for families staying at the house, a family room inside Renown Children’s Hospital, and assistance with travel expenses.
“When a child needs medical care, we want families to remember they have somewhere to turn for a place to stay, a meal, and support. They can lean on us,” said Holly Aycock, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Northern Nevada.
The organization’s new name is part of a broader effort to create a consistent identity for Ronald McDonald House chapters around the world. The changes include updated colors, photography, messaging, websites, and fundraising materials. Chapters across the country are gradually adopting the new branding, with the rollout expected to be complete by the end of 2027.
Aycock said simplifying the name will help people focus on the services the organization provides.
“We’re joining chapters across the globe in simplifying our name so people can focus on what matters most… how we help families,” she said.
Beyond its lodging services, the organization operates the Ronald McDonald Family Room in the pediatric unit of Renown Children’s Hospital’s Sierra Tower. The space gives families a place to take a break without leaving the hospital.
Its Travel-for-Treatment program also helps families cover gas and other transportation-related expenses associated with seeking medical care for their children.
The nonprofit has supported families since 1987, aiming to ease some of the emotional and financial strain that comes with a child’s medical needs.
The open house sessions are designed to give community members a closer look at the house, how it operates, and the families it serves. Offering several days of visits allows people with different schedules to attend.
Ronald McDonald House Northern Nevada is located at 323 Maine St. in Reno. More information about the organization and its services is available at ronaldmcdonaldhousenorthernnevada.org.
