Get in the spirit early and celebrate Christmas in July with the families and friends of the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley (RMHGHV) located just steps away from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla. RMHGHV) provides a home-away-from-home for families while their child receives critical medical care. The 12-bedroom house, which is at full occupancy almost every night, is always in need of items for the pantry, kitchen and toy room. During the holiday season the house has an overwhelming amount of donated items but as the summer season approaches supplies and meal program volunteers start to dwindle.
From now through the end of July supporters are encouraged to start shopping and purchase items from the Amazon Wish list, sponsor a family or donate to the Meals that Heal program. Individuals and groups who support the Christmas in July fundraiser are invited to attend a Christmas in July party on Friday, July 19 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House. The event will feature a BBQ donated by the Yonkers Fire Department, Hawaiian Lei making by Marla Beth Designs, ice cream sundae station donated by Camp Kiwi and ornament decorating with American Christmas. Stop by with a donation and have a quick tour of the house all decked out in summer holiday decor. Enjoy the festivities and wait for a special visit from Santa himself. All children under the age of 12 who make a donation at the event will receive a free Squishmallow from the Little Saint Nick Foundation. This year’s event is being sponsored by DARCARS Automotive Group, with locations in Mount Kisco, New York, and Greenwich, Connecticut.
You can still participate in Christmas in July if you can’t make the party, by purchasing items directly from the Amazon Wish List, sponsoring a family or providing a meal. You can help spread some holiday cheer by: Bringing donated items to the Christmas in July party on July 19, purchasing items from the Amazon Wish list and having them shipped to the house or by sponsoring a family or the Meals that Heal program and donate directly to the House
The Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley provides families with all the comforts of home and eases some of the emotional and financial burdens they experience when faced with their child’s illness. When children must travel long distances to access top medical care, accommodations for families can be expensive or not readily available. Since opening in 2011, RMHGHV has saved more than 2,800 families over $7,500,000 in out-of-pocket lodging and meal costs. As partners in enabling family-centered care it strives to be part of the solution in improving the lives of children and their families by providing programs that strengthen families during difficult times.
