Caring for our children

What is the Augusta Cares for Kids Program?

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta has partnered with 12 Bands and the PressOn Fund to develop collaboration in the Augusta community to support the families of seriously ill children receiving care at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The “Augusta Cares for Kids” program gives families and their kids’ many opportunities for joy during an otherwise very stressful time.

Through the volunteer efforts of the Red Shoe Society (a group of caring volunteers organized to benefit the Ronald McDonald House), Augusta Cares for Kids works with area businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and workout facilities, sports and entertainment groups, and other concerned businesses to care for the families and children who stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The program provides tickets to events and movies, access to clubs, swimming, meals, and desserts to the families who spend most of their day at the bedside of their children.

What is the need?

The families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta average a stay of seven days while their child receives treatment. During this time, there can be downtime, sometimes extensive, in between treatments. Families who stay with us come from all over the state, the country, and even other parts of the world, to receive the state of the art treatment for their children only available in Augusta. Their “free time” frequently consists of time alone in their room and enjoying the activities of the Ronald McDonald House. The Augusta Cares for Kids program changes that.

In many cases, families stay at our house for months at a time and the need for quality family time, with their children, is met through joyful experiences together in the community. With their financial state frequently in question, the Augusta Cares for Kids program serves as an answer to this need by providing opportunities they would not otherwise be aware of, or be able to afford.

Under the direction of the Ronald McDonald House, Red Shoe Society members scour the community and build a network of businesses that care for these families through their generous support. Businesses and restaurants provide extreme discounts or, in many cases, free items to the sick children and the families we serve.

What areas are we covering in this program?

• Patient and Family Care
• Emotional Support
• Access to Medical Care

How can you support this program?

• Financial Support
• Volunteer Opportunities