Each year, volunteers with Freeman Auxiliary strive to make the holidays as magical as possible for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States. 

On Friday afternoon, a group of volunteers did their best to spread joy to those in need as they made their annual trek to the “house that love built” with armloads of toys, gifts, and needed items for the communal pantry. Freeman Auxiliary serves as the fundraising and project-driven arm of Freeman Health System. There, they unpacked and arranged a vast assortment of gifts beneath the 12-foot-tall living room Christmas tree. In the weeks ahead, RMHC staff will sort and stock the gifts by age and gender and place them beneath three of the nine beautiful Christmas trees dotting the various rooms inside this “home away from home,” located at 3402 S. Jackson Ave.

“This ongoing tradition of giving is one of the highlights of the Christmas season for me, and every year I’m amazed by the generosity and joy our volunteers bring as they arrive with armfuls of gifts,” said Danae Taylor, Freeman’s Volunteer Services and Gift Shop Manager. “It’s such a heartwarming sight: Boxes and bags overflowing with love and care. This tradition doesn’t just capture the spirit of giving during the Christmas season; it reflects the deep heart of service each volunteer carries.”

Currently, RMHC staff is caring for nine families with seriously ill children or ill expectant mothers being treated at Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin. They anticipate having at least 20 family members as guests during the holiday season. 

“Bringing the gifts we collected from our volunteers is one of the highlights of my holiday season,” said Freeman Auxiliary President Kay Glendenning. “Knowing it brings a little joy to the families makes it truly special. We’re honored to help families who are facing stressful times enjoy a moment of traditional happiness at Christmastime.”

A vast majority of the donated items were collected at the recent volunteer Christmas luncheon. These donated funds help advance the mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities throughout the Joplin region.

“These gifts carry the Ronald McDonald House, not just through the Christmas season, but throughout the entire year,” Taylor added. “It’s a beautiful reminder of the impact kindness can have.”

Freeman Health System serves as a founding RMHC hospital partner.

“There is a unique power and effectiveness when people choose to do good, and in the care of our long-standing relationship with Freeman Auxiliary, when many people do much good for many years, the momentum and impact are truly unmatched,” said Lori Jones, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States Executive Director. “Their gifts help us close essential gaps in our operational budget, ensuring we can meet the needs of families staying at the House. Their in-kind donations go straight to families with sick children—allowing us to provide not only Christmas gifts, but also sibling gifts and thoughtful surprises for special moments all year long."

Since 1933, Freeman Auxiliary members have helped create a warm and caring atmosphere for guests, visitors and staff. It is made up of people who wish to make a difference in the community.

Freeman Auxiliary raises money to provide funds for hospital equipment, services, scholarships and community needs. Through the efforts of volunteers, the Auxiliary contributes to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States, Freeman Benevolent Fund, area nursing schools, Turnaround Ranch, Freeman Development Office and Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism. The Auxiliary also purchases wheelchairs and other important hospital equipment.