Moss in the Country (Troutville, VA) and Moss in the Forest (Altavista, VA) chapters collected pop tabs and donated funds or supplies. Moss in the Valley (Hardy, VA) donated supplies worth over $1,450 during the past two years. Southside Virginia (Richmond, VA) visited its local House and presented a check for $1,000. Moss on the James (Chesterfield, VA) provided dinner one month for 11 guests plus gave the House a gift certificate to purchase supplies. Central Iowa (Ankeny, IA) donated considerable supplies (including seven gallons of pop tabs), plus members went to the House and made 26 dozen cookies there.

The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Fred Hill, who played football for the Philadelphia Eagles, started the idea of these facilities after his daughter spent three years being treated for leukemia. They selected the name because of McDonald restaurants’ commitment to the well being of children and because their clown is a symbol of happiness to children around the world. Today, there are nearly 240 such Houses in 25 countries.

Since 1974, the program has helped more than 10 million families. More than 6,000 bedrooms worldwide are available for families every night. The houses are supported by more than 30,000 volunteers who donate one million hours of their time annually. Families who use these facilities are asked to make a donation ranging from $5 to $20 per day; if that isn’t possible, their stay is free.

In addition to the Houses, the organization is doing more to provide access to health care for under served children. By the end of 2005, they hope to have 50 Mobile Care Units, which bring medical and dental care directly to the children’s areas. Another program is providing Family rooms in the hospitals where families can rest and freshen up. Also, there is a scholarship program for underprivileged youth.

Certainly this charity organization is a far-reaching one and worthy of the support given by Society chapters as well as individuals.