Roofers Donate To Ronald McDonald House

The Industry Advancement Fund, established by Roofers Local No. 2 and the Signatory Roofing Contractors, recently donated toys to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis, Inc. The toys were on the “Wish List” of RMH, which serves as a home away from home for families with children receiving medical services at St. Louis area hospitals.

“We are grateful for their generosity,” notes Kathi Taylor, Administrative Assistant at RMH. “These toys will certainly bring a smile to our children and the many siblings we have at the house during the summer months.”

The House provides a warm, home-like atmosphere where families can sleep, eat, watch TV, relax and most importantly, spend time with other families in similar situations. Families referred to the House live outside a 50-mile radius of St. Louis, making it difficult to commute.

“Every effort is made to make the family feel at home…this is an extremely stressful time and the support they receive from each other is tremendous,” adds Taylor.

Each family stays in a private bedroom; the families share a kitchen, playroom, television room, recreational area and laundry facilities. Since the first St. Louis Ronald McDonald House opened, more than 12,000 families from all over the U.S. and several other countries have been served. The average length of stay is nine days, but some families, particularly those of transplant patients, stay for several months.

“We are pleased to make this donation on behalf of the Signatory Roofing contractors,” says Doug Jones, Chairman of the IAF and President of South Side Roofing Co. “This is a worthwhile organization we strongly believe in.”

The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local No. 2 office is located at 2920 Locust St. in St. Louis. The Industry Advancement Fund was established to maintain and promote the unionized roofing industry in Missouri and Illinois and is funded by the Signatory Roofing Contractors.