INDIANAPOLIS — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana (RMHCCIN) was awarded a $1,000 Lyft community grant Monday.

The money will be used to cover Lyft rides, which RMHCCIN uses a lot of. Interim CEO Mary Kleiman says they use Lyft regularly to transport parents/guardians to and from Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and Methodist Hospital, where their children are being cared for.

The $1,000 grants are awarded, monthly, to area nonprofits selected through a competitive application process. Kleiman says they are thankful to be this month’s winner, as the grant will help expand the hours at which RMHCCIN can offer Lyft rides.

“We do have a small budget for providing transportation, but this will really help out a lot,” Kleiman says. “Allowing us to provide rides for (parents) all day long, rather than just in the early morning hours or in the evenings.”

Transportation is one of the biggest issues facing RMHCCIN. Kleiman says some of the families don’t have a car, and having alternative transportation options is crucial.

“For a sick child, sometimes the best medicine of all is having family nearby for more hugs, kisses and I love you’s,” Kleiman says. “We are incredibly grateful to Lyft for helping us keep families together when they need each other the most.”

Candidates interested in learning more about the opportunity and applying for a community grant, visit https://sites.google.com/lyft.com/indcommunitygrantsprogram/home.