I would just like to say that Ronald McDonald is not responsible for the obesity problem in America. He does not cast a spell that compels people to his restaurant. He does not forcibly set up diversions in the road and force people to drive into the drive thru where they must buy something in order to proceed. As far as I can tell, McDonald's has bent over backwards to change their food, to offer healthy choices (now there's a big word for you ChOICES!), and to keep their food reasonably priced and tasting good. I call that smart business.
With all the bad that is said about McDonalds, there at least one thing that they do right! And it's BIG! They give money for the building of Ronald McDonald houses on or near hospital campuses. These houses provide rooms, food, privacy, a place to rest, be with family, and not worry for families that have children in the hospital. There's no motel bills, gas bills from running back and forth, eating hospital food-the price of which is enough to cause cardiac arrest, and no being separated from family during a time that already causes enough stress as it is. It is absolutely FREE and operated by volunteers.
Since I spent 3 months there, and my daughter just spent a week there, I am very thankful for Ronald McDonald.