Each valentine you send to families at the Ronald McDonald House is matched with a $10 donation—here’s how

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child smiling holding a paper heart, send a valentine to the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham
Writing a note of encouragement will bring a lot of smiles like this one to families at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham. Photo via Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama

Like our parents always taught us, a handwritten note can go a long way—especially for families and patients staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama (RMHCA). Send a note of encouragement and an anonymous donor will match it with a $10 gift in your name. Donations help keep families with sick children together in Birmingham.

How do I send a valentine to the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham?

If you want to give support to families with sick children, you can send a valentine to the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham through this form. The team is installing a special wall to showcase everyone’s notes in their lobby before Valentine’s Day.

The wall serves beautiful and tangible representation that people in Birmingham and beyond are rooting for patients and families going through a stressful medical journey.

Additionally, for every note sent, an anonymous donor will make a $10 gift in your name. The longtime supporter is matching up to $25,000! That means families with sick children will continue to have access to all the wonderful and vital resources offered by RMHCA.

  • What: Send a note of encouragement to families and patients at RMHCA and an anonymous donor will make a $10 donation in your name.
  • When: Send notes via this form through February 14, 2021 and staff will add paper hearts to the “With Love” wall throughout this time.
  • More information: Website | Instagram | Facebook

You’re sending encouragement to families like the Caldwells

Jasmine Caldwell, send a valentine to the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham
Jasmine Caldwell with her son, Greyson. Photo via Jasmine Caldwell

For the Caldwells, it’s been an ongoing set of unexpected circumstances for their family since Greyson’s birth. Doctors diagnosed him with 5p- Syndrome, also known as Cri Du Chat, a condition resulting in the duplication of the 5p chromosome and XXsry. This means his Y chromosome is located on his 5th chromosome

His diagnosis continues to become more complicated. Greyson also has VDS, which will require heart surgery. He has club feet and a colonoscopy bag and will be on a ventilator to help support his lungs until he can have heart surgery.

It’s an unimaginable trauma for those who haven’t had similar experiences, but one place Greyson’s family has come to find a little comfort is at RMHCA. Currently, Greyson’s mother, Jasmine Caldwell and her mother Janelle Grace are staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham.

“The Ronald McDonald House helps us a lot, because we have a comfortable place to sleep…to take a break from everything going on and meet other families. It makes a big difference to connect with families and people who know what you’re going through.”

Jasmine Caldwell, Greyson’s mother

Jasmine said everyone’s encouragements are helpful. However, being surrounded by families who are or have gone through similar experiences is extremely supportive. She’s able to receive advice from those close to the intense situation.

More than a hotel room

The physical elements offered at RMHCA make a huge impact on the Caldwells as well. Things we take for granted—a comfy bed, warm shower and home-cooked meals every night—become increasingly important during this time.

“Having a fresh shower and a comfortable place to sleep allows us to bring positive energy to Greyson.”

Jasmine Caldwell

This is the energy they normally wouldn’t have access to if they were cramped in a hospital room. In an unexpected time, the Caldwells have come to expect love, warmth and support at RMHCA.

Don’t miss this 2-day Give Back event at Kendra Scott helping families like the Caldwells

Kendra Scott promotional flyer, send a valentine to the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham
Shopping never felt so generous! Photo via Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama

While you’re shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts for your special someone (or yourself!), make sure to add some Kendra Scott to that cart. The RMHCA Student Leadership Council is hosting a Kendra Scott “Shop for Good” giveback event as one of their fundraisers to help support the House.

“Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama has been a wonderful organization to partner with since opening Kendra Scott Birmingham in August of 2014. ​

Our team has enjoyed supporting RMHC of Alabama through various opportunities including volunteering during dinner service for the families at the house.  We look forward to partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama every year through their annual galas, auctions, & Kendra Gives Back events.”

Ashley Bailey, Assistant Manager of Events at Kendra Scott Birmingham

When customers mention “RMCHA” in-store February 12-13 at Kendra Scott Birmingham, ​20% of their purchase ​will be donated back to RMHCA. Additionally, you can use code GIVEBACK-0XIF on Kendra Scott’s website from February 12-13, 2021 and the jeweler will donate 20% of your purchase to RMHCA.

“Since Kendra began the company in 2002, she has lived by three core values: Family, Fashion and Philanthropy. Through our Philanthropy pillar, we are always looking for a way to give back to our community whether it is through our Kendra Gives Back program or through in-kind donations.”

Ashley Bailey, Assistant Manager of Events

You can email Ashley at ashley.bailey@kendrascott.com to learn more about their Kendra Gives Back program or reach out to Devin Carrol, the East Senior Regional Marketing Manager, at devin.carroll@kendrascott.com.

Want to send a note of encouragement to the Caldwells and others? Fill out the form here and a $10 donation will be made in your name!

To watch the progress of the wall, follow the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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