Ronald McDonald House – Birmingham

“Keep Saving Those Pop Tabs”

The Social Action Circle of Dalraida UMW visited the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham recently. This facility has 41 rooms for families who have a child (under 18) in the UAB or Children’s Hospital. Each family is asked for a $10.00 daily donation for the first 21 days of residence; thereafter it is $5.00 a day. No one is turned away if they are unable to meet this amount.

Here is how we can help. Save those pop tabs! The director of the home stated that last year the home realized $15,000 from the tabs that were brought to the facility. It takes 1000 tabs to make a pound.

Each room can house up to five people with a private bath, sleeper chair and cable TV. Washers and driers are available as are kitchen/dining room facilities where residents can prepare their own meals. There is an activity room on the ground floor with a children’s play area, game tables, large TV and library plus an enclosed outdoor play area. Cracker Barrel has donated signature rocking chairs of various sizes for the patio. Other nationally known corporations such as Georgia Paper and Bissell regularly contribute their products.

Residents are required to follow house rules---- no smoking, drinking, responsible behavior and evidence that they are truly concerned about the child’s welfare. There is no restriction on the time a family can stay there; it can be a one night stay to “whenever.” The longest stay to date has been 17 months.

Our group came away humbled, thankful for this tremendous service and determined to get everyone at Dalraida UMC to save pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Just bring them to the church and we will see that they are delivered.

Photos of our trip can be found here Photos

For more information you can visit their web site Ronald McDonald House

Information on the Pop Tab Collection Program can be found here Pop Tab Collection Program