Assemble Breakfast Bags
Create a tangible, practical gift.
Have fun sorting items into breakfast bags to donate to a Ronald McDonald House. Families staying there can grab one on their way to the hospital or clinic in the morning.
Possible Recipients
Those staying at a Ronald McDonald House, which provides a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment.
What you’ll need
Plain brown paper bags
A few breakfast items, such as:
o Breakfast bars
o Bagels
o Yogurt
o Fruit cups
o Juice boxes
Art supplies such as markers, crayons, or stickers
Instructions
Call your local Ronald McDonald House to see if they can use breakfast bags. If so, ask what specific items to include and arrange a delivery time. Also, ask if you can have a tour. Ronald McDonald House locations are listed on the Ronald McDonald House Charities website.
Decorate the bags before filling.
Sort breakfast items in the bags.
Reflections
How do you think you would feel if you or someone you love was very sick and had to spend many days at the hospital?
What kinds of things would make this easier for families?
Do you think it helps people get through a tough day if they get good food to start their day?
Sometimes it can be uncomfortable, even frightening, to be around a person who is sick or in the hospital. Why is that? What can we do about it?
Do you know anyone who is sick and could use some assistance or cheering up?
Resources
When Molly Was in the Hospital by Debbie Duncan (Rayve Production Inc., 1994). Baby-preschool. A story about a girl whose younger sister is ill. This book brings up many issues and fears that siblings may have about their experience with a sick family member.
Curious George Goes to the Hospital by H.A. Rey and Margaret Rey (HMH Books, 1966). Ages 4-8. This tale, about a monkey who needs an operation because he ate a puzzle piece, can help ease tensions about going to the hospital.
Take it further
If it’s okay with your local Ronald McDonald House, add snacks like small prepackaged bags of nuts, trail mix or dried fruit that the recipients can use later in the day.
Make homemade “Cheer” or “Smile” cards or notes to insert into the bag.
*Cost can vary greatly on some projects depending on the way you approach them. Consider asking friends and neighbors to “sponsor” your effort if you get excited about a project that may be out of your price range. You might end up with a big-hearted community at your side!
Still looking?
Read together and practice compassion with the power of story!