This Holiday Season, "Give A Hand" to Families in Need at Participating McDonald's Restaurants Across the Country

OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwire - Nov 9, 2012) - This Saturday, McDonald's celebrates McHappy Day in the U.S., an important day to call attention to the needs of children around the world and the official kick-off of the 10^th annual "Give A Hand" fundraiser to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) -- the company's "Charity of Choice" for 38 years. Similar to the "Give A Hand" Volunteer Awards program launched in August which encouraged family volunteerism, the "Give A Hand" fundraiser is another unique opportunity to engage customers with RMHC and demonstrate McDonald's commitment to the Charity. Through November 20, customers can purchase a paper "Give A Hand" for $1, $3, or $5 at participating U.S. restaurants with all proceeds going to support RMHC.

"Give A Hand" Online Sweepstakes
In addition to the in-restaurant fundraising program, customers can also show their support for RMHC by participating in the "Give A Hand" online sweepstakes. Customers are invited to write messages of support for RMHC on their hand, take a picture, and submit it online at www.giveahandmcdonalds.com for the chance to help RMHC and win prizes. Each day throughout the campaign, one winner will be selected at random to receive a $50 Arch Card for themselves and a $500 donation for their local RMHC or Ronald McDonald House Chapter. More information on the sweepstakes can be found at http://bit.ly/mcdgah. Subject to Official Rules. See Official Rules for details. No purchase necessary.

Offering More Ways to Support RMHC
In addition to McDonald's annual "Give A Hand" fundraiser, as part of the company's ongoing support of the Charity, McDonald's donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each Happy Meal and Mighty Kids Meal purchased in participating U.S. restaurants every day and supports the in-restaurant Donation Boxes. Last year McDonald's customers raised $27 million nationwide for RMHC through the in-restaurant RMHC Donation Boxes, demonstrating how every penny adds up, with 1 penny per Happy Meal sold serving to benefit RMHC on a local and national level.

For more than 55 years, social responsibility has been a fundamental part of McDonald's. McDonald's actions are grounded in founder Ray Kroc's legacy of giving back to the local communities in which it serves. With a shared history that dates back to McDonald's support in the creation of the first Ronald McDonald House in 1974, McDonald's has supported RMHC and its mission to improve the health and well-being of children around the world.

About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome food made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the more than 12,000 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.

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 RMHC on Twitter (@RMHC), or like RMHC on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).