Supporting Children in Need: Top Children’s Charities in Virginia
Introduction
Children represent the most vulnerable members of our community. Throughout the state of Virginia, thousands of children face serious health challenges, abuse, poverty, and other difficulties. Fortunately, there are many nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to support children in need across Virginia. These charities provide critical services to improve the lives of children facing adversity. In this blog, we will highlight some of the top children’s charities in Virginia and how you can get involved in supporting their mission.
RMHC of Norfolk
One of the most impactful children’s charities in Virginia is the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Norfolk. This nonprofit provides temporary housing and other support for families who have a child receiving medical treatment at area hospitals and clinics. By providing an affordable place to stay near the hospital, RMHC keeps families together during difficult medical crises. RMHC of Norfolk opened its first Ronald McDonald Family Room in 2011 at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk. They have since expanded to serve thousands of families each year at multiple facilities. Their services help reduce stress and financial burden for parents focused on their sick child’s health.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a leading pediatric treatment center focused on understanding, treating, and curing childhood cancers and other life-threatening diseases. The St. Jude facility in Memphis treats children from all 50 states and around the world. St. Jude has a regional office in Virginia that raises awareness and funding to support their mission of providing cutting-edge medical care at no cost to families. Some key programs include research, patient care, prevention education, and community fundraising events like the St. Jude Walk/Run. Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has helped push childhood cancer survival rates from just 20% to over 80% today.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Virginia
The Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, positive after-school and summer programs for youth in Virginia. With locations across the state, the Clubs offer mentoring, sports, arts, STEM education, leadership development and more for kids ages 6 to 18. Programming is designed to help youth succeed in school, become active community members, and develop healthy habits and life skills. Boys & Girls Clubs focus particularly on serving at-risk and disadvantaged youth. In Virginia, they serve over 50,000 kids each year through Clubhouses and community outreach. You can support their mission through volunteering, donations, participating in fundraising events, or advocating for policies that benefit youth development and education.
Make-A-Wish Virginia
Make-A-Wish Virginia grants wishes for children battling critical illnesses across the state. Since being founded in 1983, their chapter has granted over 8,000 wishes for Virginia children. Wishes help enrich the lives of the children and their families during difficult treatment journeys. Make-A-Wish partners with local communities to fundraise and coordinate wish-granting logistics. You can get involved through monetary or in-kind donations, volunteering, and attending third party fundraisers. Make-A-Wish also welcomes referrals of eligible children from medical professionals and families themselves. 100% of donations go directly towards granting wishes thanks to corporate and foundation sponsorships covering all operating costs.
Take the Opportunity to Give Back
Children’s charities play an invaluable role in supporting youth facing medical crises, poverty, abuse, and other challenges in Virginia. There are many ways individuals, families, and businesses can get involved with these nonprofit organizations to help provide critical services and resources. Consider volunteering your time, making a donation, attending a special event, or spreading the word about their mission. Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Virginia’s most vulnerable children. By getting involved with charities like Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude, Boys & Girls Clubs, Make-A-Wish or others, we can work together to foster healthier, happier childhoods across the communities we call home.
