MILROY — During this time of year, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee works with local farmers and the community to collect monetary, food or other items for the Farmers Care Program. Farmers Care is a program that recognizes the commitment of farm families and our communities across Pennsylvania to raising healthy food for local communities.

Farm communities also volunteer to help those in need, including the ongoing partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Since 1998, the Farmer’s Care program has raised $1.3 million for Ronald McDonald Houses located in five cities across the state. In 2025, the organization raised $57,122.50.

Despite COVID-19, Farmers Care efforts in the central Pennsylvania region raised $12,126.98 for the Hershey Ronald McDonald House (Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA). Farmers Care is proud of the commitment the local farm community has shown to help supply the necessities needed by the families who are served by the Ronald McDonald Houses Charities.

This year the Farmers Care Day at the Hershey Ronald McDonald House will be March 19. Donations are being accepted now through March 16.

A wishlist of items needed specific to the Hershey RMH includes pantry Items such as single serve salty snacks, single serve cookies, single serve macaroni and cheese, granola bars, hot chocolate mix (packets), Pop Tarts, fruit snacks/gummies, individual packs of crackers. The expiration dates on food items must be checked before donation. Ronald McDonald House cannot accept outdated items.

Household items include Lysol disinfectant spray, Lysol disinfecting cleaner, disinfecting wipes, Swiffer dry sweeping cloths, Swiffer wet jet mopping pads and Swiffer wet jet refills.

Office supplies include Forever postage stamps and 8½ x 11 white copier paper.

Gift cards for Sam’s Club, Walmart, Giant, Amazon, and Staples are most needed. Checks are always welcome and should be made payable to RMHC of Central Pa.

It means so much to families to have a place to stay away from home and not have the stress and worry of trying to find a hotel and food all while caring for a seriously ill family member. Ronald McDonald House Charities is able to provide as “close to home” experience as possible.

Donations can be made in-person at East Gate Feed and Grain, 141 Three Cent Ln., Reedsville; Union Mill, 316 Applehouse Rd., Belleville or Fisher’s Market, 5726 Rte. 522 N., McClure, now through March 16.

For more information, contact Sonieta L. Harrop (717) 437-5818 or slharrop61@gmail.com.