It’s always difficult to have a child in the hospital, but it’s especially challenging during the holidays.

Each year the Dayton Ronald McDonald House is a “home-away-from-home” for families with critically ill hospitalized children.

You can help by providing these weary families with a well-stocked, clean and pleasant home to retreat to after long days at the hospital.

“Our Wish List is an important part of our program since we are open and serving families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — we never close,” says Karen Dempsey Volke, chief development officer. “With approximately 500 families staying in our guest rooms each year plus another 1800+ ‘day guests’ who join us for meals, laundry services or just a brief respite from the hospital, you can see how we would need so many of the items.”

Here’s what they need:

FOR CLEANING THE HOUSE

Lysol floor cleaner, Windex spray, toilet bowl cleaner, 7- and 13-gallon trash bags, Febreze,

Swiffer wet jet refills, HE laundry detergent, disposable gloves, dishwasher soap, paper towels.

FOR THE KITCHEN/BATHROOMS

Paper plates, plastic cutlery, tissues, white bath towels, travel size deodorant, hand soap, disposable razors

FOR THE PANTRY

Individually packaged, with an expiration date displayed: cereal, snack cakes, granola bars, fruit and applesauce, chips, crackers, nuts, pudding cups, Jello cups, fruit cups, mini-moo creamers, macaroni and cheese.

Canned: pasta (ravioli), vegetables, soup, fruit

Boxed: Hamburger Helper, pasta, baking mixes

FOR THE FAMILIES

Small picture frames, crossword books, nail care kits, pocket calendars, Crayola Color Wonder Art items, Christmas gift bags, newborn toys, board books, pacifiers, receiving blankets, baby booties

GIFT CARDS

From Kroger, Speedway, Meijer, Home Depot, Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club

MOST NEEDED

Trash bags, laundry detergent, paper plates and cutlery, hand soap, cereal, granola bars, canned pasta, dishwasher soap, newborn toys and Kroger and Home Depot gift cards.

Your donations can be taken to the Ronald McDonald House between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. 365 days a year. The House is located at 555 Valley Street in Dayton. For information: (937) 224-0047.