SPRINGFIELD, IL. (WAND) - You have probably driven past this brick building sitting on the corner of 7th and East Carpenter Street in Springfield. However, many do not know what happens behind the walls.

Shannon Jones and Amanda Draper are very familiar with efforts put on by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois.

"It just really put my faith back in humanity, you know, that there are people that are there that still care," said Jones.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois is continuing its mission since opening its doors back in 1986.

"Our mission is to provide a supportive place for families to stay when their child is receiving medical care. And really, what that means is we take care of the parents so that they can take care of their kids," said Abby Koester, Development Director with RMHC.

The Ronald McDonald House provides clothes for families who packed in a hurry, a full kitchen, laundry room and most importantly support. All at no cost. In the house, 14 families stay there during desperate times. Like this family from Arkansas, awaiting for their son's recovery right across the street.

"My son, my 18-year-old son got into a car wreck over in Shelbyville," said Amanda Draper, mother.

That wreck landed her son, Ronnie Draper in the ICU, fighting for his life.

"He's out of ICU doing, he's improving, but still has a long, long road ahead," said Draper.

Ronnie Draper had a love for basketball and a goal of playing in college.

"The week that he came back was coming back was supposed to go to Fayetteville for his basketball scholarship for the Razorbacks. He's heartbroken, but..." shared Draper.

Now, his family is able to stand by his side throughout his recovery. Thanks to the Ronald McDonald house.

"It basically gave us like a home away from home. I mean, like, we packed in a rush, we came up here with just basically the necessities, you know, just, you know, three or four days worth of clothes. It was a point to where I didn't know what I was going to do and they came through for us," shared Jones.

"Their whole family is in a completely different state. And even when you live here, and you're staying in this house, you have families that live in Effingham or champagne or Decatur, and they're far away from them for a majority of the season, and so we try to do our best to make sure we can bring a little bit of joy," said Koester.

As of Thursday morning, the Draper family received an update on Ronnie's condition. He will be transported out of HSHS St. John's Hospital to Arkansas Children's Hospital where he will continue to recover.

To help RMHC continue to care for families, donations are crucial. This season, they're having "Snow Some Love". You can purchase a snowflake or snowman, and then write encouraging messages to families staying at that house. To donate, visit here.