For those who care about the well being of children, there is no better way to begin the new year than to support the efforts of an organization that provides a home away from home for seriously ill children and their families. The independent, nonprofit Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, Md., has been home to more than 30,000 such families since opening in 1982. These families include the Ellsworths and their son Mason and other Shepherdstown area residents. Now RMH, which provides hope for more than 1,000 families each year, could use help.

On Sunday Jan. 27, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m, volunteers will be stationed in the parking lot across from the The Blue Moon Restaurant collecting items of need for the RMH. These items are: toilet paper, paper towels, toilet cleaners, Lysol wipes and disinfecting spray, bleach, dish soap, sponges, baby wipes, shampoo samples, deodorant, mouth wash, new bed sheets and blankets (single), new pillows, trash bags (kitchen and large), new toys (all ages), art supplies and white cereal bowls.

All donations are tax deductible. Donated items will be delivered to RMH that evening. Call Sylvia Ellsworth, 540-535-6417 or Neil Super 304-279-0506 for more information.