LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana hosted their 15th annual Winter Wonderland where families can do some holiday shopping for loved ones. 

Christina and Robert Paele have been at the Ronald McDonald House for a month with their 26-week-old twins, Nico and Aurora and nine-month-old Raya. Aurora is being treated for a blood bleed in her lung and Nico for a level-one brain bleed.

“The fact that we could get them some Christmas presents and not have to stress over that, too. I know this gets a really big blessing,” said Christina.

The Paeles have always been big advocates for folks to donate to the Ronald McDonald house.

“We worked at McDonald’s, so we made sure, we asked everyone, we went around up to the Ronald McDonald before we even came here,” said Robert

Not realizing that one day some of those donations would be helping their family.

For three days, families are given a large tote they can fill with items, including toys, clothes, home goods, and self-care items for all ages at no cost. Red Key Society Co-chairperson Cheryl Dortch says the purpose is to help take the stress off of the parents.

“It’s to bring festivity in. The joy of Christmas to the house when people are here during a time when they really would rather be at home. And so that’s really we’re just trying to make it easy and festive and just joy filled it. It’s always during a time when families are challenged and they struggle and emotions are high. And we just want to give some happiness to those families,” explained Dortch.

Other families are just in awe of the generosity. It fills the needs of families going through a tough time with their child or children in the hospital.

“Very grateful to be able to see them every day. And know that we have a place to come here and just be comfortable and have dinner every night. And not to be able to stress through the hard times right now,” said Christina.

The Paeles family says the Ronald McDonald House has given them hope.