Facing the holidays when a loved one is missing is extremely difficult. Robert and Janet Cooke made the decision to break tradition and not have their traditional Thanksgiving this year. Instead, the Cookes spent their afternoon and evening helping prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for the families at the Austin Ronald McDonald House. The Cookes, staff from the Austin Hilton Inn and other friends helped Express Gourmets www.expressgourmets.com prepare and then clean up after a delicious meal (donated by Express Gourmets) was eaten by the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. "A Home-Away-From-Home" The idea behind Ronald McDonald House is simple: provide a “home-away-from-home†for families of seriously ill children who are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. http://www.rmhc.com/mis/mission/index.html Janet and Ronald McDonald Copyright ©2002 Jacqueline L. Riggs
RC and Sarah (Hilton staff) start preparing a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Copyright ©2002 Jacqueline L. Riggs
Everyone was given a tour of the facilities provided to the families at Ronald McDonald House. Laundry Room Copyright ©2002 Jacqueline L. Riggs
Though the families have private sleeping quarters, there are community living areas and a community dining hall. Please note, all pictures are of the volunteers. Pictures of the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House are not allowed. Community Living Room Copyright ©2002 Jacqueline L. Riggs
Express Gourmets brought an extra treat for the children. Sugar cookies were baked and icing, sprinkles and candies were provided so the kids could decorate the cookies themselves. Copyright ©2002 Jacqueline L. Riggs