Ronald McDonald charity celebrates 40 years with donation drive

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Wednesday is the day to help the Ronald McDonald House Charity make a difference in the lives of the families they serve.

The charity is celebrating its Day of Change, the 40th anniversary of the opening of the first Ronald McDonald house ever.

They're asking people to come by to any McDonald's restaurant and drop off change in donation boxes located near the registers.

All the proceeds will go to help the local chapter of the charity provide a place for lodging near health facilities for families whose children are undergoing treatment for illnesses.

Last year, donations to those boxes raised $52 million.