Christmas Presents

24 Jun Ronald McDonald House Charities® of CNY Kicks Off Annual “Christmas in July” Drive To Support Families in Need

Posted at 16:27h in News by

June 23, 2025 (SYRACUSE, N.Y.) – Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central New York (RMHC® of CNY) is kicking off its annual “Christmas in July” donation drive and encouraging the community to collect and donate items from its wish list to support families with seriously ill children. Donated items help stock the pantry and provide household essentials for guest families who travel to Syracuse for medical care and rely on the Ronald McDonald House as a place to rest, recharge and remain close to their children during treatment.

“Last year, we welcomed 965 family members who stayed a collective 5,403 nights — a 21% increase in families served and a 46% increase in nights stayed compared to the previous year,” said Beth Trunfio, executive director, RMHC of CNY. “With higher costs for everyday goods and more families turning to us for support, there’s an ongoing need for pantry staples and household supplies. Our ‘Christmas in July’ drive plays a critical role in helping us continue to meet those growing needs with care and compassion.”

The nonprofit’s complete “Christmas in July” wish list can be found here. Items include, but are not limited to:

  • Food and drink items: grab-and-go meals and snacks that are individually packaged, cereal (full-size boxes), canned goods, K-Cup® pods (not decaf) and non-dairy creamer
  • Household items: food prep gloves, 13-gallon trash bags, to-go coffee cups with lids, paper towels and other assorted paper products
  • Gift cards: Target, Walmart and Amazon

All donations must be new and unopened to safeguard the health of the seriously ill children the nonprofit serves.

Donations can be dropped off on Wednesday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CNY Ronald McDonald House at 1100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and available to anyone who makes a drop-off during that time frame. To schedule an alternate drop-off time, please call 315-476-1027 or email house@rmhcny.org.

Community members can also celebrate “Christmas in July” by purchasing items from the organization’s Amazon Wish List. The list includes larger items and a wider selection of household products, food and infant supplies. Donations purchased through Amazon will be delivered directly to the CNY Ronald McDonald House.

 

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central New York:
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central New York (RMHC® of CNY) provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children receive inpatient or outpatient medical treatment at Syracuse-area hospitals and affiliated clinics. Through the CNY Ronald McDonald House and a Hospitality Cart program, the nonprofit organization offers families what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children. For more information or to donate, visit www.rmhcny.org.