Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Ronald McDonald House Mobile unveils new Family Care Van
Reading time: 4 minutes
Families staying at Ronald McDonald House Mobile while their children receive life-saving medical care will now have much-needed service—reliable local transportation to critical destinations through a new Family Care Van program.
A $91,351 national grant from the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society established the program, which includes a modern, 15-passenger van, two car seats, a wheelchair-accessible conversion and costs to employ a part-time driver for the first year.
National Philoptochos leaders visited Mobile Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, to celebrate the program’s launch.
Read on to learn more about the new Family Care Van program and how you can support our local Ronald McDonald House.
Ronald McDonald House Mobile Family Care Van quick guide
Why does this Family Care Van program at Ronald McDonald House Mobile matter?
According to an announcement from Philoptochos, families staying at Ronald McDonald House Mobile named transportation as a service they needed most.
“For parents already carrying the weight of a child’s illness or injury, something as simple as a ride can mean being present at a child’s bedside, receiving their own medical care, or bringing home a needed prescription.”
– Philoptochos
The new Ronald McDonald House Mobile Family Care Van helps families staying at the House with transportation to:
- area hospitals + medical facilities
- medical appointments
- pharmacies
- grocery stores
- other errands to handle everyday needs
How did the Philoptochos national organization get involved?
When members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos Chapter 5050 in Mobile recognized the need for a family transportation program at Ronald McDonald House Mobile, they initiated an application through the National Philoptochos grants process.
Recently, National Philoptochos President Debbie George and Regional/Atlanta Philoptochos President Effie Moraitakis traveled to Mobile, where they met Sarah Kalaris and Despina Koulianos of the local chapter and the Ronald McDonald House Mobile team to see the new Family Care Van firsthand and celebrate the milestone.
Ronald McDonald House Mobile Executive Director Paul Giardina thanked the entire group for their compassion, advocacy and generosity.
George also gave thanks, first commending Ronald McDonald House Mobile staff, volunteers, and supporters for creating a place where families can feel held during the hardest chapters of their lives. She followed by recognizing Philoptochos members in Mobile and statewide.
“To our Philoptochos sisters, here in Alabama and across the country, this is your love in motion. Every gift, every fundraiser, every act of service made this day possible.”
– National Philoptochos President Debbie George
About Ronald McDonald House Mobile + how you can help
Ronald McDonald House Mobile cares for families with children who are ill or injured by providing them a place to stay and essential services when their children receive medical care at local hospitals.
To learn more about the organization and how you may help through volunteering or donations, visit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile website for details.
