A group of about 20 people visited the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan on Wednesday to admire several recently completed additions to the local charity.

Visitors enjoyed snacks and cider as they toured the facility, located at 121 S. Holmes in Lansing, examining two new mosaics and a newly furnished living room. The renovation began in late spring.

Rebecca Reagan, executive director of the charity, said that the renovation was a final touch for the house, which provides a place to stay for families whose children are receiving treatment at area hospitals.

"It was an area we couldn't complete when we first opened in 2000 because of money being tight," she said.

"After three years, we're finally finished."

Reagan added that funding for the new furnishings, which include several couches, tables, and a big screen TV, came from Ronald McDonald House Charities, the umbrella group for Ronald McDonald houses worldwide.

The new mosaics, which were created by a class at Lansing Community College, depict various nature scenes with leaves and flowers and are placed on a granite wall that is the only view from two of the house's eight rooms.

Karla Dickert, instructor of the LCC class, said the mosaics took eight weeks each to complete.

"Mosaic is a great alternative to paint," she said. " It's more durable."

Reagan said she believes the additions will make guests much more comfortable.

"The families are going through enough without having to look at a concrete wall," she said.

"This is something bright and cheerful."

The Ronald McDonald house charges $10 a night for a room and offers a full pantry for guests to use at their leisure.

Reagan said there are currently four families staying at the house, which has sheltered nearly 800 families in the three years it has been open.

The house's facilities are almost always at a 95 percent capacity, she said.

Most of the guests have had premature babies and are drawn to Lansing as a result of Sparrow Hospital, the regional neo-natal intensive care unit, Reagan said.

She noted that there is a certain level of emotional attachment that Ronald McDonald House employees have toward the guests.

"It's always gratifying to us when one of our families goes home with their baby," she said.

"But when someone loses their baby, we grieve with them. We've been with them for an extended period of time, so it's very hard for us."

But the attachment is mutual. Reagan said that guests are generally very respectful of the house, which looks almost brand-new throughout.

"The families really take care of the house and care about the house," she said.

"They appreciate what we do for them."