OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwired - May 22, 2013) - Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) today announced it will donate $200,000 to the American Red Cross to help support the needs of the children and families in Moore, OK, and the surrounding communities whose lives have been affected by the devastating tornado. 

RMHC is partnering with donors McDonald's, Lopez Foods, Inc., Bama Companies, Dorada Foods, Martin Brower, and the McDonald's Division of The Coca-Cola Company to provide aid in the wake of this tragic disaster.

"The generosity of our donors will help support the American Red Cross in its on-the-ground relief for those affected by these storms," said J.C. Gonzalez-Mendez, president and CEO, RMHC. "RMHC is committed to helping families who are facing challenging times."

"Oklahoma City is the place I call home," said Ed Sanchez, president, Lopez Foods, Inc. and RMHC Global Board of Trustee member. "The devastation is alarming, but the willingness of the community, my fellow suppliers and the McDonald's system to provide relief, gives me much faith and hope in our community's ability to rebuild."

"McDonald's is a trusted neighbor in these communities, and extending a helping hand to these families in need is the right thing to do," said Don Thompson, McDonald's Chief Executive Officer and RMHC Global Board of Trustee member. "Our local owner-operators in the affected areas are lending their support by serving McDonald's food to emergency personnel and residents."

In addition, The Coca-Cola Company is providing water, Bama Companies and Lopez Foods are offering sausage biscuit sandwiches to rescue workers and displaced victims and Martin Brower is providing assistance with the distribution of food.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities^® (RMHC^®), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 57 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-operated and supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.