“Make Change Count” by participating in the coin campaign to raise funds for many families in need. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii (RMHC-Hawaii).
By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii (RMHC-Hawaii) is asking schools, businesses, clubs, community organizations and individuals to “Make Change Count” by participating in its coin campaign to raise funds for many families in need.
“The Ronald McDonald House was built with love for hundreds of families with severely ill children that walk through our doors every year,” said Jerri Chong, president of RMHC-Hawaii. “A few cents from many can go a long way, and with everyone’s help RMHC-Hawaii will continue to Make Change Count.”
There are many ways an organization, school or business can get involved and collect coins for this cause. Collection ideas may include asking parents, family and friends to pledge their support by donating change for every good deed or chore, set up a coin jar in the office or challenge each other to see who can raise the most change. Teachers can incorporate the coin drive as part of a classroom lesson. The coins collected go to help children staying at Hawaii’s Ronald McDonald House while battling serious health problems.
“RMHC-Hawaii helped me recover from a life-threatening illness. As soon as I entered the house seven years ago, I instantly felt at home,” said Tishelle Hepa, former RMHC-Hawaii guest. “I am involved in this campaign to show my appreciation for RMHC-Hawaii and I encourage everyone to join.”
Another way to support RMHC-Hawaii is by visiting any McDonald’s restaurant in Hawaii and ordering a Happy Meal® or Mighty Kids Meal®. Five cents from each product sold will go to RMHC-Hawaii. After making a purchase, people can drop their loose change into the coin canisters located at every register or drive-thru window.
Several Oahu Lions Clubs and Iolani High School have joined the campaign to make change count. RMHC-Hawaii will have scheduled coin collection drop-off sites throughout the year at various McDonald’s restaurants on Oahu. For other ways coins can be collected, contact RMHC-Hawaii at (808) 973-5683 or visit www.ronaldhousehawaii.org.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii (RMHC-Hawaii) offers support for families with seriously ill children by operating two Ronald McDonald Houses in Manoa Valley. Families from the neighbor islands and around the Pacific may stay there when they come to Honolulu seeking medical care for their children. Each year, hundreds of families make Ronald McDonald House their “home away from home.”
RMHC-Hawaii also provides the Ronald McDonald House Family Room, a respite and support center inside Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. Most of those assisted at the Family Room are from Oahu.
RMHC-Hawaii programs strengthen and support families during a very difficult time. For a child being treated for a serious illness, having family members nearby to give love and comfort may be as crucial as medical care itself.
RMHC-Hawaii relies heavily on community support to keep the houses running, not only through monetary donations, but also through countless hours of personal time committed by volunteers.