Molly Palomo playing in the Ronald McDonald House playroom between cancer treatments
RMHC of Greater Chattanooga launched their Share-A-Night campaign with one main premise: to walk in the shoes of a family with a sick child. The year-long campaign aims to encourage individuals to donate in increments of $66, which is what it costs the charity to host one family for one night; they host 26 families every day, costing $1,716 per night for housing alone.
“We are kicking off the 2017 Share-A-Night Campaign by really focusing on the journey of all those who need our services," said RMHC President and CEO Jane Kaylor. "We are trying to 'walk in their shoes,' so that we can provide the most compassionate care for them.”
“We are so thankful for the help the Ronald McDonald House gave our family. Not only did they give us a place to sleep in, but they provided us with everything we needed,” said Anjelica Palomo, who once resided in the Ronald McDonald House while her youngest of six children, Molly, was diagnosed with cancer at age two.
The charity not only provides families with a place to sleep while remaining a close distance from their child in the hospital, but also offers meals throughout the day, snacks, “Help Yourself” wall where temporary residents are welcome to help themselves to any toiletries needed. There is a newly stocked library, compliments of Barnes & Noble Hamilton Place, playroom, teen lounge equipped with air hockey and pool tables, playground, gym, breast milk lockers and washer and dryers on every floor stocked with detergent.
When people give a gift of $66 to the Share-A-Night fund, they provide a hot meal and cozy beds for tired parents and children.
For more information about the Share-A-Night campaign, visit www.rmhchattanooga.com.