The New Year has arrived and with it come resolutions. Whether you have decided to get healthier, find balance, or kick a bad habit, one great way to kick off the new year is to help others. There are several opportunities for contributing to the local community. While there are many great causes you might want to support, we’ve explored two non-profits that specifically seek to support the health and wellness of children right here in Ann Arbor: The Ronald McDonald House Charity and Kids Health Connections.
Below, learn more about these organizations, their missions, and your opportunities to offer support.Â
Ronald McDonald House CharitiesÂ
The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Ann Arbor has a family-focused mission. According to their website, “RMHC Ann Arbor provides a community of inclusive, compassionate, supportive programs and services that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.”
RMHC accomplishes this by keeping families and children close together. Each year, the Ronald McDonald House Charities serve over 300 families by providing meals and a place to stay near their child’s hospital. Because of these efforts, hospitalized children are better able to have their loved ones close to them, supporting them as they go through treatments.Â
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor offer several options for supporting their cause. While you can certainly donate funds, you might also donate meals, volunteer your time, host a fundraiser and more. This allows you to choose the opportunity that fits your life and your resolutions or goals.Â
To learn more, visit the RMHC website or call 734-994-4442.
Kids’ Health ConnectionsÂ
Kids Health Connections (KHC) “provides health education to families, helps doctors improve the quality of their care, and acts as a voice for issues affecting children’s health.”
Specifically, they work with families and physicians in southeast Michigan to offer health education. For example, KHC provides families education regarding language enrichment, asthma management, and how to keep kids active at home. They also work with families to make the most of their doctor visits and help physicians increase children’s access to doctor visits. In addition, KHC also advocates for children’s health more broadly.Â
Donations to Kids’ Health Connections allows KHC to fund efforts to improve local children’s health through education and support programs. In fact, according to their website, each donated dollar yields $2.80 in return to help children in need of support. Both personal and corporate donations are deeply appreciated.
To learn more, visit the Kids’ Health Connections website or call 313-863-2427.
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