On Tuesday, State Rep. Thomas P. Walsh (D-Peabody) participated in preparing dinner for the families receiving services at the local chapter of the Ronald McDonald House New England in Boston and formally kicked off this summer’s pop tab collection drive. The nonprofit organization offers accommodation and hospitality to families from around the world while their child undergoes life-saving treatment at nearby Boston and Rhode Island hospitals.

“Being invited to join the staff in making a home-cooked meal for the families staying at Ronald McDonald House: Boston was a fun and meaningful experience,” Walsh said. “Now in our fifth year of partnership, the pop tab drive has reached more people each and every year thanks to our local press and dedicated participants sharing news about the good work that RMHC performs every day.”

Ronald McDonald House New England CEO Lauren Hoops-Schmieg said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Rep. Walsh for his annual summer pop-tab drive to support children and families at our Ronald McDonald Houses in Boston and Rhode Island. Donations through the pop-tab campaign enable us to offer a comforting, home-like environment to families during long medical treatments. We would also greatly appreciate assistance with receiving items from our Amazon and Target Wish Lists — which include essential household items like laundry detergent and bed linens that are vital for caring for the families we serve.”

Walsh’s dinner menu featured a garden salad with a homemade vinaigrette, chicken parmesan over angel hair pasta, scratch-made marinara sauce, and garlic toast. For dessert, triple-layer chocolate trifle cups were served.

Those interested in participating in the pop-tab drive are encouraged to contact Walsh with questions or for pick-up arrangements by email at [email protected]. Following Labor Day, the collected pop-tabs will be delivered to the Ronald McDonald House: Boston location, where the aluminum pop-tabs will be recycled, with proceeds benefiting the charity’s programming.

For more ways to help, including accessing the Ronald McDonald House New England Amazon and Target wish lists, visit the Ronald McDonald House New England website ronaldmcdonaldhousenewengland.org or call 617-398-6458.