SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Something new is roaming the Pediatrics floor and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield.

It has four wheels, a handle and offers some of the comforts of home.

Volunteers will begin making the rounds at RiverBend today with a beautiful wood hospitality cart. They will provide free hot drinks, snacks, games, phone chargers and other items to families with sick and injured children in the hospital.

This is the latest addition to the Hospitality à la Carte program by Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Oregon & SW Washington.

“The cart is a way to bring the compassionate hospitality we’re known for directly to children in the hospital and their family members,” said Jess Ubel, development director for the Heartfelt House.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® operates the Heartfelt House on the RiverBend campus, as well as other patient family guest houses throughout the country.

“These families often spend many hours in the hospital,” Ubel said. “Many don’t have the resources to buy food, drinks, or other items to make this challenging time a bit more comfortable.”

Two Ronald McDonald House Charities® volunteers will staff the cart on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

“This cart and the interaction with caring volunteers is such a wonderful gift to our youngest patients and their families,” said Mona Greenway, interim nursing manager for women’s and children’s services at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. “We are deeply grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities® and to the donors who helped bring this program to our hospital.”

Launching the Hospitality à la Carte program at RiverBend was made possible by generous contributions from the N.B. and Jacqueline Guistina Foundation and the Chambers Family Foundation. Ronald McDonald House Charities® will be seeking ongoing funding from individuals and companies in our community through a monthly sponsorship opportunity. In-kind donations of new toys and individually wrapped snacks also are greatly appreciated.

For more information about how to donate to the hospitality cart program at RiverBend or become a Ronald McDonald House Charities® volunteer, please contact Robin Yozzo or Jess Ubel at 458-221-1362