McDonald's(R) USA, in Support of Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)), Provides New Ways for Customers to "Give A Hand(R)" to Families in Need

OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwire - Aug 24, 2012) - Today, McDonald's USA is launching its first-ever "Give A Hand" Volunteer Awards program in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) -- the company's "Charity of Choice" for 38 years. As part of McDonald's ongoing support of RMHC, the "Give A Hand" Volunteer Awards (GAHVA) were created to inspire and educate families around volunteerism, and help build young volunteers' character and compassion to get involved in their local communities.

"Give A Hand" Volunteer Awards
Beginning today through November 2, individuals are invited to submit a proposed volunteerism pledge of 50 words or less in support of RMHC at the sweepstakes website, www.GiveAHandMcDonalds.com. Each week of the 10-week program, one randomly selected entry will receive a $50 McDonald's Arch Card and a $1,000 donation will be made to their local RMHC or RMH Chapter, encouraging continued volunteer projects with the Charity. Following the close of the entry period, one Grand Prize winner will be randomly selected from all of the entries to receive a $50 Arch Card and a $5,000 donation will be given to their local RMHC or RMH Chapter. More information on the sweepstakes can be found at www.GiveAHandMcDonalds.com. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See Official Rules for details.

Additional Ways to Support RMHC
McDonald's commitment to RMHC extends beyond the "Give A Hand" Volunteer Awards program. As part of the company's ongoing support of the Charity and children's well-being, 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. Customers can also drop their spare change in the in-restaurant RMHC Donation Boxes.

Social responsibility has been a fundamental part of McDonald's business for more than 55 years. 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), an independent 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-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).

©2012 McDonald's