Special to The Hays Daily News

Ronald McDonald House Charities Wichita has awarded grants totaling $62,000 to 14 organizations throughout the state of Kansas, including several in northwest Kansas, for the 2010 grant cycle.

Local recipients are Project Dream Inc.; Ellis County Coalition for the Prevention of Child Abuse; Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County; and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Phillips, Norton and Graham counties.

RMHC Wichita not only provides and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children through the two core programs, Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room, but also extends grants to nonprofit organizations in the state of Kansas that are making a positive effect on children who need it most.

Awarded grants come from a combination of fundraising efforts through area McDonald's restaurants and matching grant funds from Ronald McDonald House Charities corporate office.