The 33rd annual “Share a Heart Campaign” by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks runs from Jan. 29 to Feb. 28.
McDonald’s customers can donate $1, $5 or $20 for a heart. With every heart donated, the contributor will have an opportunity to enter a social media contest holding their signed heart and posting it to Facebook @RHMC.Ozarks for a chance to win one of four $250 Great Southern Bank Mastercard gift cards.
Feb. 9-15 is “Ronald McDonald House Week” across the Ozarks. Since 1988, when the first home opened, 17,400 families have been served, including 647 from Texas County, of which 142 were Houston residents.
The Share a Heart Campaign raised more than $116,000 in 2025. Donations from the private sector provide 100% of the Ronald McDonald House operating expenses, which exceed $1 million annually.
Among those benefiting last year was the Scott family of Success.
“Our daughter Taryne survived a devastating car accident on her 18th birthday, leaving her with extensive injuries and a long road to recovery,” said the family. “During one of the hardest moments of our lives, the Ronald McDonald House gave our family a place to stay close to her hospital bedside, easing the burden and allowing us to focus completely on her healing.”
The family had benefited from the program before, when Taryne was born at 31.5 weeks and spent 28 days in the NICU.
“They have truly saved our family twice, and we’re forever grateful for the love, support and hope they have given us.”