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A woman holds a gift bag presented to McDonald's crew members during Ronald McDonald House Alabama Day of Change and Gratitude in 2025 — Round up your order at McDonald’s and submit your receipt by Oct. 1 to get a free T-shirt supporting Ronald McDonald House Alabama and wear it Friday, Oct. 16. (Ronald McDonald House Alabama)

We love a free T-shirt drop and always look forward to the one Ronald McDonald House Alabama does for Day of Change & Gratitude every year.

Yes, the design is sharp, and more importantly, these shirts embody so much about the House’s ongoing Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House campaign, its huge impact on families and the generosity of Alabamians.

The free T-shirt drop is one way the House thanks everyone for donating, and when people wear the shirts, it keeps that momentum going.

Read on for all you need to know to nab a free T-shirt while they last and why you should wear them proudly on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, to celebrate Day of Change & Gratitude.

Quick guide: Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House free T-shirt drop

Why round up at McDonald’s?

A hand holds a phone showing options on the McDonald's app — Donations when you Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House at McDonald’s have funded over 40,000 nights of comfortable, free Family Stays for people here in Birmingham while their children received critical medical care. (Ronald McDonald House Alabama)

Graphic showing the user interface on the McDonald's app for rounding up orders to benefit Ronald McDonald House — Donations when you Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House at McDonald’s have funded over 40,000 nights of comfortable, free Family Stays for people here in Birmingham while their children received critical medical care. (Ronald McDonald House Alabama)

Anytime you follow your craving to one of 184 Alabama McDonald’s, you can round up your order to the nearest dollar. Every contribution goes directly to Ronald McDonald House Alabama. Our McDonald’s owner/operators donate one cent per Happy Meal and pound of fries, too!

This small change has added up to millions over the past seven years. The money benefits families with sick or injured children receiving care at local hospitals, providing a place of respite at Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham and the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at UAB Women & Infants Center.

In 2025, Alabama McDonald’s restaurants and guests raised over $1.6 million, providing families with sick or injured children over 10,000 nights of comfort and care. Since 2019, the campaign has raised enough to cover 40,000 nights of family stays.

Learn more about the relationship between Ronald McDonald House Alabama and McDonald’s.

What is Day of Change & Gratitude?

Three employees of an Oxford McDonald's hold a large thank you note for their having raised $54,552 in the annual Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House Alabama in 2025 — Slide to see 👀: Your donated change translates to big amounts when you Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House at McDonald’s, funding comfortable stays for families when their children receive medical care here in Birmingham. (Ronald McDonald House Alabama)

Parents and a child spend time on a porch together at Ronald McDonald House Alabama in Birmingham — Slide to see 👀: Your donated change translates to big amounts when you Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House at McDonald’s, funding comfortable stays for families when their children receive medical care here in Birmingham. (Ronald McDonald House Alabama)

Day of Change & Gratitude commemorates the opening of the first Ronald McDonald House on Oct. 15, 1974. On and around this day every year, House staff and volunteers visit McDonald’s locations throughout the state to personally thank the crews and owner-operators for their dedication to the Ronald McDonald House Alabama mission.

When it comes to helping the House, McDonald’s crews, owner/operators and customers understand the assignment and impact year after year. Store teams statewide set monthly goals and compete for the cause. Customers show their support when ordering.

Because of these efforts, thousands of families have gotten a nice place to rest, eat nutritious meals and find support at the most difficult times imaginable, at no charge.

“We are incredibly grateful to McDonald’s and their longstanding commitment to the families we serve. As our founding and forever mission partner, their continued support helps keep families close the care their child needs.”
_{—Katherine Estes Billmeier, Ronald McDonald House Alabama President & CEO}

How can you get a free T-shirt + support Ronald McDonald House Alabama?

Madeline Herring of Bham Now holds her McDonald's order with a receipt in the foreground before submitting it to receive a free t-shirt to promote the annual Day of Caring & Gratitude promotion for Ronald McDonald House of Alabama

Hands display how easy it is to submit a receipt through the Ronald McDonald House of Alabama website to receive free t-shirt to promote the annual Day of Caring & Gratitude promotion in 2026

This year’s shirts feature elements of the House’s cool new brand design. Here are two ways to get one:

FREE: While supplies last before Oct. 1, round up your order at McDonald’s + submit a pic of your receipt through the Ronald McDonald House Alabama free t-shirt portal.
Order: After Oct. 1, or if supplies run out, you can order your shirts through the Ronald McDonald House Alabama website for $20 + $5 shipping.

Love the mission and want to do more? Visit the Ronald McDonald House Alabama website to learn more about the many ways you can support Family Stays.

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