Santa's Workshop gives hope to families at the Ronald McDonald House

CINCINNATI - By the time he was 9, Ricky Santiago Jr. had already undergone nine surgical procedures.

Ricky Jr. has a medical condition causing his blood vessels to grow at an abnormal rate, a condition whose cause still baffles doctors.

The Santiago family is staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Avondale for the second time while Ricky Jr. goes through yet another surgery.

“There are not words to describe the impact this house has had on our family,” Santiago Sr., said. “We are blessed to have a place to stay.”

Although Ricky Sr. described how the house relieved his family’s stress in various ways, he was especially grateful for one event: The Ronald McDonald House Santa’s Workshop.

The Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for many families with an ailing child, just like the Santiagos. They come from all walks of life and from around the nation. Some even travel from different areas of the world seeking refuge and comfort during an emotionally and financially difficult time.

Unfortunately, many families staying at the facility have significant medical expenses stemming from their child’s medical care.

During the holiday season, those financial shortcomings become more apparent for house parents that want to give their child a memorable Christmas.

That’s where Santa’s Workshop can help.

Families living in the house are able to take a cart down to the basement, where piles of toys are stacked on top of each other, and select the ones they want for their children. The community donates all of the items.

“This event truly embodies the spirit of Christmas,” said Jennifer Goodin, Ronald McDonald House director.

“Our families are usually very financially strapped because they are away from home and have so many expenses along with their children’s mounting medical expenses,” Goodin added. “Many are not in the position to be able to have Christmas at all. It never fails that a family will come down to shop for their kids and burst into tears because they’re so relieved that they actually can give their kids a Christmas because they didn’t think it was going to be possible.”

Donations have been substantial, with hundreds of toys and gifts donated from around the Tri-State.

“It is the entire community that makes this possible. We have groups from all over the city that might host a holiday party and ask for gifts for families at the Ronald McDonald House,” Goodin said. “We have neighborhoods, families, churches and school groups that collect at toy drives for families.”

She continued, “I just can’t say enough about what a generous community we live in. People in Cincinnati and the Tri-State area have hearts of gold and never cease to amaze us.”

For the Santiagos, the event has made a major difference in their lives. 

“With all the hardships going on with our child and our family and home, financially this has been a burden,” Ricky Sr. said.

Ricky Sr. and his wife, Jannette, were afraid they would not be able to give their children the Christmas they dreamed of.

“Because of the Ronald McDonald House they are allowing us to have a Christmas and to have our children happy. It’s amazing and unbelievable what this house does for our whole family.”

People who want to donate to the Ronald McDonald House can make a donation online.