Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York is celebrating 40 years of helping families navigate through a difficult time while their child is in the hospital.

Executive Director of the Central New York Ronald McDonald House Charity, Beth Trunfio, says being able to keep families together make the world of difference.

“It’s really quite a milestone,” said Trunfio. “It’s care, hope, healing and really kindness and compassion for families that we have been offering for those many years.”

The Ronald McDonald House of Central New York opened its doors on Thanksgiving Day back in 1982. The house provides a room, bed, home cooked meals, snacks and support to families at no charge while keeping them close to Syracuse-area hospitals and medical centers.

“What we know is that when families are together and when parents are engaged and have the ability to regularly engage in that health care process, the child does better and there are better outcomes,” said Trunfio.

Trunfio says they want to help take some of the worry away.

“Because of the Ronald McDonald House when their child was ill, they don’t ever have to spend a night a part as a family unit,” said Trunfio. “That’s so important when you’re going through something so unthinkable.”

Not only does the Ronald McDonald House provide the necessities for the families, Trunfio says they try to make it feel like home.

“We have activities for siblings and really to celebrate occasions and holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving coming up,” said Trunfio.

Trunfio says they look forward to the next 40 years.

“We’ll continue to be innovative and participating and partnering in programs, not just within this house and in this home setting, but in other ways that we can really make a meaningful impact as an organization,” said Trunfio.

Trunfio says donations are always welcomed to the house so families can have what they need during their stay.