With over 300 Ronald McDonald Houses across the globe, the renowned charity has provided a “home-away-from-home” for millions of families who travel from afar seeking medical attention for their seriously ill or injured children. The concept is built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing a child. Families are offered a place to sleep, food and the pure gift of being able to stay together rather than being divided. Families either stay at no cost or are asked for a donation of up to $25 per day depending on the house. However, if the family cannot afford it the fee is waived. No families are ever turned away.
At Planet Green, we have the privilege of working with so many inspiring, wonderful organizations. Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Georgia is a perfect example of just such an organization. Their house was established by a group of concerned citizens in the early 90′s and has been supported by corporate sponsors, individual gifts, fundraising events, donations of supplies as well as recycling. Planet Green has working with RMHC of West Georgia as of September of 2012. Since then, they have worked to consistently recycle inkjets, cell phones and small electronics to raise funds in support of their House.
To learn more about the RMHC of West Georgia and find out how their team has been able to create a successful recycling program, we reached out to their dedicated Development Director, Melody Moran.
Q&A with Melody Moran, Development Director for RMHC of West Georgia:
Planet Green: Please share with us about RMHC of West Georgia and how the program works.
Melody: The Ronald McDonald House of West Georgia, Inc. is a “home away from home” for families who travel here seeking specialized medical care for their critically ill or injured child. We offer them a home like atmosphere and the opportunity to remain as close to their child as possible. Families are provided with a private bedroom and bath, meals, laundry facilities, computers to use, an exercise room and the support of staff, volunteers and other families. Families give a minimal donation per night and if a family is unable to pay, they stay for free.
RMHC of West Georgia House
Planet Green: What are some of your recycling goals?
Melody: Our recycling goal is to use recycling to cover the expense of our annual utility bills. We recycle everything from aluminum to cell phones and ink/toner cartridges.
Planet Green: What made you want to sign up for the Planet Green Recycle program?
Melody: Planet Green offers a great support system as well as wonderful rates on our recyclables.
Planet Green: What methods and platforms do you utilize to get support from the local community for your e-waste recycling efforts?
Melody: We solicit recyclables from the community via our website, Facebook and Twitter as well as sending out an E-Newsletter and volunteer newsletter monthly. We also speak to the community anytime an opportunity is afforded to us.
Planet Green: What have been the key factors that have lead your organization to having so much success with the Planet Green Recycle program?
Melody: We strive to stay on top of our recycling program by sorting our recyclables into categories and sending them promptly to the companies that will give us the best rates. Planet Green makes recycling for charity simple and rewarding.
We would like to end with a quote from Melody:
“I am so blessed to come into work each day knowing that I am truly making a difference. After years of working a job for the sake of a pay check, I am incredibly blessed to be exactly where I am meant to be, doing what I do best! Being a part of a team where everyone cares as much about the House as I do makes working here seem like more of a mission than a job. Interacting with the families and volunteers on a daily basis is so rewarding. We as a community are so fortunate not only to have a Ronald McDonald House here but to have so many within our community that are dedicated to assuring that the House continues to be here to provide a true “home away from home” for families so they can be with their children when they need them the most! Not a day goes by that I am not reminded exactly why we are here and how important this Home is for those in need.” – Melody Moran
Thank you, Melody for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us! We are truly inspired by you and the team at RMHC of West Georgia. Keep up the amazing work!
To learn more about RMHC of West Georgia, visit rmhcwga.org.
- Team Planet Green Recycle
