This holiday season, West Philly restaurant Renata’s Kitchen is helping the local branch of an organization which supports families of seriously ill children. Instead of purchasing more gift cards, Renata’s Kitchen owners Kate and Yasser Aiq are asking guests to donate towards catering orders for the local Ronald McDonald House. The organization has been struggling this year to recruit volunteers to prepare and serve their guest families during the pandemic.

“As a restaurant, we’ve also been struggling with the restrictions in place to keep everyone safe,” says Kate. But they don’t want to ask for support without giving something in return. “Just doesn’t feel right as a business to do,” she adds. 

Overall, catering orders help restaurants like Renata’s Kitchen order inventory at better rates, making all their orders – catering or takeout – cost a little bit less. As a reminder, there is a ban on indoor dining at restaurants in Philadelphia until at least January 15th and it will likely be extended. With both indoor and outdoor dining space now closed restaurants have to survive on takeout and delivery orders only during winter months. Catering orders also help restaurants like Renata’s Kitchen keep their staff hours up while they wait out winter.

The Ronald McDonald House needs help in feeding their residential families the week of December 28 and through the end of February. Renata’s Kitchen also welcomes requests for catering directed towards other local organizations in need.

For more information and to support this campaign, please go here.

Thank you so much for supporting Renata’s and RMH <3 We’ve confirmed to be on the catering schedule for 12/29 at RMH and we’re working towards our second meal for the guest families

Will you consider donating to supporting to our local business and RMH? #linkinbio pic.twitter.com/6dPnYBBjb0

— Renata’s Kitchen (@renatas_kitchen) December 22, 2020