It’s all in the name. Happy Wheels Cart.
Union Health and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana have teamed up to bring a Happy Wheels Cart to Union Hospital in Terre Haute.
The Happy Wheels Cart is a literal cart that is now being wheeled around the Women’s and Children’s Services units with complimentary food, drinks, toys, games and, you guessed it, happiness to patients and families.
The Happy Wheels Cart has been a mission in the making for several years but finally came to fruition with the generosity of Nick and Jami Kasprzyk, owners and operators of 10 (soon 11) McDonald’s restaurants, including those in Terre Haute, Clinton and Rockville in Indiana, and Casey, Marshall and Paris in Illinois. They decided to use money donated from their 'Round-Up' program to the Happy Wheels Cart cause.
The Round-Up for RMHC allows customers to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar at the register, drive-thru or self-order kiosk. The best part? 100% of those proceeds go directly to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“We are thrilled to bring the Happy Wheels Cart to Union Hospital, which will provide a little extra comfort and care to families during their time in the NICU and maternity ward,” Jami Kasprzyk said. “This cart represents our ongoing commitment to our neighbors, easing the stress of families and making their hospital experience just a little bit brighter. We can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have.”
Kristen Moore, Women’s and Children’s Service Line Director at Union Health, has been working on the project since day one and knows firsthand how valuable this tool can be for families struggling to navigate a hospital stay.
“Working with Nick, Jami and the entire team at Ronald McDonald House Charities has been uplifting and rewarding,” Moore said. “Their goal of serving patients and families in need aligns perfectly with the values of Union Health. We are proud of the collaboration and grateful for the generosity of their team, and we look forward to bringing joy and comfort to the patients we serve here at Union.”
Last year alone, Union Health served nearly one and a half million patients and a whopping 1,800 births!
“It truly takes a village,” Steve Holman, President and CEO of Union Health, said. “The scripture says to love him and love your neighbor. This is a true testament to that. This is a blessing for everyone.”
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana is based out of Indianapolis but covers the Wabash Valley. Their mission?
“No one chooses to get sick or hurt, especially children. That’s why we are here,” Karin Ogden, Chief Executive Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana. “Our main mission is to make sure each child is cared for, along with their families, to allow for the best possible outcome.”
To learn more about Ronald McDonald Charities House of Central Indiana, click here.
Local McDonald’s restaurants and Ronald McDonald House Charities will keep the cart stocked by providing complimentary items, along with financial assistance from the Union Service League.
The Happy Wheels Cart officially went into service on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.