For 40 years, families who have children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals have had a free place to stay in Winston-Salem. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Piedmont Triad (RMHCPT) is one of five properties statewide offering meals, support, and respite.

A house with history

After Dick and Penny Latham's son, Alan, died at age three in 1980, they asked his doctor how they could best help other families in his memory. They spearheaded opening a 10-bedroom house on Hawthorne Road on Sept. 14, 1984.

In 1997, an addition expanded the house to 17 bedrooms. "The House that Love Built" debuted in 2010, complete with 36 bedrooms. The continuous structure is now wheelchair accessible complete with shared living rooms, a large dining room, and kitchen.

Families enjoy the convenience and normalcy of doing their own laundry in two dedicated — and decorated — rooms. | Photo by WStoday

Free for families

Families receive much more than a private room and bathroom. Shared living rooms invite caregivers to connect with one another. A dedicated teen room gives siblings space to unwind + a fully accessible outdoor playground entertains young children.

Contributions of longtime volunteers and donors are around every corner. A "magic room" holds donated personal care items and toys. CEO Chuck Kraft says a medical play area in the playroom has had an unexpected benefit for adults.

"Some of our very young moms, who are only teenagers or babies themselves, they were actually here checking out the equipment and manipulating it because they were fearful of what their child was attached to. So it's really served a dual purpose," Kraft said.

The playroom doubles as a place where families can understand what their child is experiencing in the hospital. | Photo by WStoday

How you can help

Kraft says RMHCPT counts on individual donations to fund ~$600,000 of its $3 million annual budget. There are several ways to make an impact:

Become a volunteer
Make a monetary donation
Attend the Character Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Forsyth Country Club (registration closes Friday, Oct. 18)
Purchase and display luminaries this upcoming holiday season
Order your 2024 Sport a Shirt and wear it with pride