12.04.2008 - 04:24pm ET

(CSRwire) OAK BROOK, IL - December 4, 2008 - This December, and on the eve of its 35th Anniversary, Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) will launch an integrated Season of Giving marketing campaign to remind consumers that a little help goes a long way. The initiative, designed to drive personal donations, will also raise awareness for the Charity and its three core programs: Ronald McDonald House(R), Ronald McDonald Family Room(R) and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile(R).

The Season of Giving campaign will kick-off with new RMHC-branded pages on YouTube, Flickr and Facebook that profile real families and individuals who have been helped by the Charity’s services, as well as provide an open forum for online discussion. In addition, RMHC will launch a re-designed Web site, www.rmhc.org, with improved navigation and engaging content, including video testimonials and a new friends and family e-card function. The campaign will also be supported by direct mail and print advertising featuring the personal stories of the Gonzalez and Wilcox families who benefited from the service of a Ronald McDonald House.

"We want to reach people in new ways to tell them about the work that RMHC does in communities across this country and around the world," said Linda Dunham, chairman of the Global Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities. "We also want to remind the public that we need their help not only during this Season of Giving but year round. Today, demand for our services exceeds our capacity to help across our three core programs - whether it's volunteering or making a small donation, every little bit counts."

This year's Season of Giving campaign will highlight a few of the following messages:

A Little Help Goes a Long Way:

• Small personal donations can go a long way to cover the cost of housing and provide access to health care for children and families in need.

• Give the gift of time - RMHC doesn't rely on money alone. Its network of over 30,000 volunteers save the Charity an estimated $1.8 million each year. The time you spend volunteering allows families to be with their ill or injured children, helping them in the healing process.

• The money raised by RMHC stays in the community. Eighty-four cents of every dollar spent is used to support the work of local RMHC Chapters.
  
• One hundred percent of families served by the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program are from local communities.

• RMHC is fortunate to have the support of a vast network of volunteers, supporters and corporate donors who give back to the Charity year round.

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