Children represent the most vulnerable members of our community. Supporting children’s charities that provide healthcare, education, and vital services to kids in need is one of the most meaningful ways to give back. Virginia is home to many outstanding nonprofits serving ill, injured, and disadvantaged children across the state. Here are two excellent children’s charities in Virginia making a tremendous impact.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) provides comfort, care, and support to families with sick children being treated at area hospitals. The RMHC of Norfolk chapter has helped thousands of families stay close to their hospitalized child since opening in 1979. Their two core programs include:
Ronald McDonald House – This “home-away-from-home” residence allows families to stay together near the hospital during their child’s treatment. The House has 70 private rooms and provides meals, transportation, and support services free of charge. Over 3,500 families stay here each year as their child receives care at CHKD or other local hospitals.
Ronald McDonald Family Room – Located inside Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, this space offers parents and siblings a place to rest, have a snack, or get some fresh air during long hospital stays. The Family Room provides a comforting refuge right in the hospital.
In addition to housing and family room services, RMHC of Norfolk provides care packages to families, holiday meals, and other support programs. This chapter is run primarily through donations and depends on community support. Get involved by donating, volunteering, or participating in fundraising events.
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) is the only free-standing children’s hospital in Virginia. Located in Norfolk, CHKD provides comprehensive pediatric care from over 40 subspecialties. The 206-bed hospital offers cutting-edge medical and surgical care to children throughout the region.
As a teaching hospital, CHKD trains future pediatric doctors, nurses, and specialists. Community education programs provide important child health resources to families. Along with excellent clinical services, CHKD offers many family support initiatives like:
- Child life services to help kids and parents cope with hospitalization
- Pet therapy to provide comfort and joy
- Music and art therapy programs
- Bereavement support groups
- Sibling and teen clubs to reduce isolation
CHKD’s craniofacial program offers reconstructive surgery and multidisciplinary care for children with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other complex facial conditions. Patients receive tailored treatment from specialists in surgery, orthodontics, speech therapy, psychology, and genetics.
CHKD depends on community engagement through volunteer work, charitable giving, and advocacy. Get involved by donating, attending a fundraising event, or volunteering your time to brighten a child’s hospital stay.
Supporting Worthy Children’s Causes
Organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities and CHKD provide crucial assistance to Virginia’s most vulnerable children. Both offer numerous ways to give back through donating, volunteering, and raising awareness. By supporting the work of children’s charities in our communities, we can help provide hope, healing, and brighter futures for kids in need.
Conclusion
Supporting children’s charities like Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters makes a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families going through unimaginably difficult circumstances. Though the services they provide vary, their mission is united – to care for children’s comprehensive needs beyond just medical treatment. Whether it’s providing a warm bed and meal for families displaced from their homes or engaging kids with art therapy during long hospital stays, these charities endeavor to bring joy, comfort and hope to children facing daunting health challenges. By donating our time, talent or financial contributions to organizations like these, we invest in the overall wellbeing of the children in our communities. Our support enables these charities to keep their doors open and continue providing their unique brands of uplifting care. When we come together to lighten the load for Virginia’s children in crisis situations, we help grant them the childhood every child deserves.