Evonik Unveils Computer Center At Mobile Ronald McDonald House

Evonik today unveiled the computer center it donated to assist families at the Mobile Ronald McDonald House, a volunteer organization providing housing for the families of children being treated at local hospitals.

The initiative started by employees at the site, called “Linking Family and Friends,” strives to help families staying there better connect to the outside world. Evonik’s Information Technology (IT) group donated and installed five flat-screen computers and is committed to supporting the project.

Bonnie Tully, Mobile site manager and vice president of Evonik North America, said Evonik is very proud to partner with such a worthwhile organization such as the Ronald McDonald House that supports families in need. “I applaud their work to aid the hundreds of families staying there over the course of each year and we hope our partnership provides families with even more of a ‘home-away-from-home’ atmosphere,” she added.

Up to 38 families stay at the Mobile Ronald McDonald House at a time. Many of those families do not have access to computers and are unable to use the Internet while their children receive medical attention, sometimes for weeks and months.

“Community outreach is always a priority for Evonik and we recognized this is an excellent opportunity for us to help since the inability to access the Internet created a heavy burden on these families,” said Tom Bates, president of Evonik North America. “Without the Internet, the families can’t complete a variety of tasks such as electronically paying bills or video chatting with family and friends. The Ronald McDonald House strives to provide families with a ‘home-away-from-home’ feeling. It is an honor for Evonik to be able to support these efforts.”

Chad Ellis, of Evonik’s IT group in Mobile, has spent many years volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and spearheaded the installation of the computer center. “Supporting the Ronald McDonald House is a very personal cause to me because it provided a place for my family to stay while I was hospitalized as a child,” said Ellis. “I am very grateful to the organization and Evonik recognizes the high-level of aid it offers to the families.”