Keeping Families Close During Medical Crises
By Paige Youmans
You’ve seen the Golden Arches. You’ve tasted the legendary fries. But did you know that the international organization that those purchases benefit has a long-running, impactful footprint in
the Midlands? Let us introduce you to the Ronald McDonald House and its location in Columbia.
In 1974, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill, his daughter’s oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans, and Eagles General Manager Jimmy Murray collaborated with the McDonald’s Corporation to establish the first Ronald McDonald House (RMH). The RMH was founded to meet the temporary housing needs of families whose children were experiencing health crises, allowing those families to be present and focused on supporting their children through medical treatments. With the success of this original house’s services, the Ronald McDonald House Charities grew, expanding its services globally. In fact, according to their website, the organization reported offering “1,032 programs in 62 countries and regions” by 2024.
Locally, McDonald’s operators Sam and Marge McCormick envisioned a Ronald McDonald House for the Midlands, and in 1983, with the help of founding Board Chair Sally Bonnycastle Hardy, RMH of Columbia opened an eight-room house on the grounds of the current Prisma Health Richland Hospital. Like other RMH locations, Columbia’s house is owned and operated locally under the leadership of an executive director, who is currently Joyce Tompkins, with oversight provided by a board of directors comprised of community members. With the increase in need and community giving, RMH was able to expand and open a new 16-room home in 2016.
Families referred to RMH for services have children 21 years old or younger who are receiving care at a local medical facility. Each family who stays at RMH is promised a clean room with a private bathroom and a daily volunteer-prepared dinner at no cost to the family. Other in-house amenities include a huge
kitchen for cooking, access to laundry facilities, a toy room, special events, and compassionate connections with staff and other families.
Over the decades of its existence in Columbia, RMH not only increased its housing capacity, but also expanded its services. In addition to the amenities already mentioned, RMH hosts a Family Room in the lobby of Prisma Children’s Hospital where visitors can find snacks, drinks, meals, and access to
massage chairs. They also stock a nourishment corner at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at three area hospitals and operate a Treat Trolley that travels from room to room with snacks for families who are not able to leave their child’s bedside. Annually, RMH averages serving 100,000 individuals across all of its Midlands’ services, accounting for over $1 million savings to families supporting their children through medical crises.
Our Town Magazine representatives met with RMH Volunteer Coordinator Gail Goins, who offered a tour of the home and introduced some of the staff and volunteers who welcome and support the families entering their facilities. With no fees associated with a family’s stay at RMH, the staff hopes that the calm, gentle environment will deliver an extra amount of peace to those who are focusing on the health of their children.
With a background in community volunteer development, Goins became involved with RMH because of her desire to connect the organization with the community by building and encouraging relationships among volunteers, families, and other supporters. Growing RMH’s visibility continues to be a goal she strives for, and she notes the surprising generosity of the community, especially from local college students.
During the tour, a special treat was meeting sweet Alphie, RMH’s own canine-helper goldendoodle, who was gifted by the University of South Carolina’s Alpha Delta Pi sorority to RMH, the society’s designated philanthropic organization. Some of the college students who volunteer regularly include Madeline
McLeod of the University of South Carolina and Kamara McCall of Benedict College. Both individuals have offered their help consistently at the house and in the office, which proves especially impactful when the staff is preparing for community events. McCall even transferred from being a regular volunteer to accepting the position of the staff house associate who welcomes families and supports daily operations.
Although funding is provided by McDonald’s and its affiliated global organization, Ronald McDonald House of Columbia also relies on the generosity of the surrounding community, both financially and personally. Thus, RMH hosts fundraisers, such as an annual golf tournament, biennial clay shoot, and annual gala. On September 26, 2026, RMH, alongside the presenting sponsor, Capital Waste Services,
held an annual event with a “Havana Nights” theme, and an astounding $400,000 was raised.
In addition to their signature events, Goins emphasizes that there are multiple avenues for the community to become involved with RMH—the more that volunteers give of their time and donate
funds, the more support the organization can offer families. For example, RMH coordinates monthly
“Pack the Pantry” days in which donors can purchase items from the needed grocery list to help stock the Treat Trolley, the RMH NICU areas, and the in-house kitchen. RMH also collects donations of
candy and costumes for the Halloween parade at Prisma’s Children’s Hospital, toys for Christmas gifts, and items for the prize closet for patients and their siblings. Furthermore, groups can volunteer to prepare nightly dinners for families staying at RMH. Because the staff ensures families receive a daily meal, community volunteer groups can prepare dinner just once or sign up for a recurring time slot.
Ultimately, RMH honors its mission “to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.” This local community is invited to participate in the practical relief given by RMH to these families by providing a donated meal, purchasing pantry contributions, or serving a volunteer shift. For more information about services offered by and opportunities to help at the Ronald McDonald House of Columbia, please contact Gail Goins at 803-254-3181 or visit RMHCofColumbia.org.
