[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF CENTRAL IOWA

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                            HON. DAVID YOUNG

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ronald 
McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa for its 35 years of service to 
families in need.
  Since opening its doors in August of 1981, Ronald McDonald House 
Charities of Central Iowa has provided a ``home away from home'' for 
over 10,000 families whose children are undergoing medical treatment. 
In 2011 alone, the 12-room facility provided a home for over 400 
families from 71 of Iowa's 99 counties and 10 other states. Families 
are asked to contribute a nominal fee each night, but if they cannot 
afford to do so, they are not turned away. The philosophy at the Ronald 
McDonald House in Des Moines is that one of the best medicines for a 
severely ill child is the love of their family right by their side 
during challenging times. It is humbling to see the widespread support 
from Iowa businesses and individuals that keep the doors open at the 
Ronald McDonald House of Central Iowa.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central 
Iowa for its 35 years of serving families under the most difficult of 
circumstances. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives join me in congratulating them and wishing nothing but 
the best.

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