This March, you may see more than stacks of Guinness and Harp at the front of your local grocery store. Be on the lookout for store windows filled with MDA shamrocks, a sign that these particular retailers, along with customers just like you, will be helping in the fight to find a cure for life-threatening diseases.
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, more than 25,000 retailers, gas stations and restaurants across the country will be accepting donations to promote the health and wellbeing of those who suffer from muscular dystrophy, ALS and other muscle-debilitating diseases.
Customers can purchase an MD shamrock and, if they choose, write their name on the blank line on the card. The shamrocks will be displayed in store windows for all to see.
Fighting for a Good Cause
Currently, there are an estimated 30,000 people in the US with ALS, and more 50,000 more people suffer from one of the types of muscular dystrophy.
On average, a family can spend anywhere from 20,000-30,000 dollars a year on medical care for those who suffer from these diseases. People who have MD and ALS also often have to use a wheelchair, wheelchair van and other mobility devices to get around.
By purchasing one of the MDA shamrocks, your donation will go towards research for treatments and prevention of muscular dystrophy. For every day that MDA is open for business, the organization donates 75,000 dollars to research, treatment and cures. MDA currently funds more than 150 care centers located at hospitals across the country.
The donations also go towards the nearly 75 MDA summer camps in the United States, which provide a place for children with the disease to attend the week-long camps at no cost to their families.
Where You Can Buy the MDA Shamrocks
There are 14 different chains that will be selling the MD shamrocks across the country. All throughout March, you will be able to find them at the following stores:
- Lowe’s
- Kroger
- Albertsons
- Applebee’s
- Bojangles’
- Burger King
- Citgo
- KFC
- Little Caesars
- Pizza Hut
- Price Chopper
- Safeway
Besides purchasing the MD shamrocks, you can also donate directly to the MDA by visiting their website. Every dollar counts, and every dollar has the potential to change lives.
Will you be donating to the cause by buying an MD shamrock this year? If so, where do you plan to get one? Let us know by commenting below!