Pine Hall sponsors Ronald McDonald House

By Alan Chase
Staff Writer

The resident advisors of Pine Hall are collecting supplies for the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill.

This is the second year Pine Hall has sponsored the Ronald McDonald House as their annual community service project, according to Lucy Hammonds, Pine Hall resident administrator.

Photo By Carol Franch The Pine Hall resident advisors, (from left to right) Quintin Chiles, Jessica Carter, Deidra Dial, Lucy Hammonds, Ian Siler, Tiffany Downing, Ben Misenheimer, Alicia Rich and Matt Anglin, are collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill.

The Ronald McDonald House provides evening meals, sleeping accommodations and a shuttle service for children who are being treated at UNC Hospitals and their families.

The organization also provides free phone cards, taxi services for emergencies, gift cards and emotional support, Hammonds said.

According to the Ronald McDonald House website, more than 17,000 families have stayed at the house since it opened in 1988.

"The turnover is tremendous; the wear and tear on the facility is a constant and never-ending expense," the website said.

The facility is in need of things such as toilet paper, feminine napkins, diapers, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner.

Monetary donations and nonperishable food items such as soups, noodles, and grits will also be accepted.

Pine Hall will be collecting these necessities and will also collect soda tabs and pennies to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.

To donate to the Ronald McDonald House, stop by Pine Hall and drop off items, or look for boxes that will be set up around campus in both the dorms and departmental offices.

Pine Hall RA's will also be manning a table in the University Center.

Pine Hall hopes to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House one day next semester.