By Jessica Mcnutt
mcnuttje@mnstate.edu
Though the name “Ronald McDonald” makes most think of fast food, senior Danielle Rebel hears the iconic name and thinks of the Ronald McDonald house. The organization provides a place for more than 900 families to stay each year while a family member is in the hospital and asks only $15 a night of those who can afford it.
When the integrated advertising and public relations major was assigned a project in her Leadership 498 class, which required the investment of 40 hours through planning, activities and execution of an event, she and her partner, communications studies senior Taylor Monk, knew they wanted to help out.
Rebel and Monk told the house’s executive director Jill Christopher they wanted to help and were met with excitement. Christopher explained the house could use more winter clothes for their clients, so they took the challenge and arranged for a “knitting night” Wednesday in the CMU.
“Our goal was to get 50 hats, scarves, mittens, etc.” Rebel said. “We have about 40 items right now.”
Once their goal is completed, the items will be delivered to the Ronald McDonald house.
Rebel and Monk wanted to be able to collect the items while still having a fun time on campus and raising awareness. Attendees were also able to learn how to knit if they wanted to help but didn’t have the necessary skill set. Rebel said they had a great turnout.
“The people that came were fantastic,” she said. “People came and brought items they had already made, so it really helped us approach our goal.”
Rebel said the event was the first of their project’s three phases. The second will be a penny drive and collection, and the third will be making welcome bags with Dakota Montessori Elementary for the Ronald McDonald House.
Rebel and Monk said they’re excited about the community’s involvement in their project.
“People can still bring clothing items to us, and we’ll accept them,” Rebel said. “It’s really coming together well, and we’re really proud of our efforts.”