Members of The Novel Bunch Book Club, left to right: Diana Johnson, Kelly McElroy, Vicky Ballew, Bev Buck, Marianne Roberts, Laurie Miller, Pat Owens, Caryn Brett (not pictured: Laurie Staley)
Beverly Buck
Ladies of “The Novel Bunch,” a PebbleCreek book club, celebrated the holiday season by donating children’s books to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). The Central and Northern Arizona chapter of Ronald McDonald House has provided a “home-away-from-home” to more than 58,000 families since 1985. Families who benefit from RMCH may travel far from home to receive treatment for their child at world-renowned pediatric centers located in metropolitan Phoenix. Their child’s treatment may last a day, a month, or sometimes even longer. It’s a long time to be away from home and oftentimes commuting or staying at a hotel is financially challenging. RMHC helps families overcome these obstacles by providing temporary housing that is near their child’s hospital or medical center. Across three Valley locations, RMHC offers 72 rooms for families each night. In 2024 they served 1,139 families. If you are interested in volunteer or donor opportunities, contact Jen Donnelly, volunteer manager, at jdonnelly@ronaldmcdonaldhousecnaz.org.