As is my custom this time of year, I wish to draw your attention to the Shrine Hospitals for Crippled Children in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Run by the Shriners (the Masons in the red fezes and tiny little cars), these 22 hospitals specialize in the treatment of burns and crippling injuries in children. They accept patients under the age of 21 who can be treated.
Local Masonic organizations often provide free transport to the nearest hospital.
These hospitals have pioneered many sorts of treatment (especially for burns and spinal injuries) and are lack only one thing. None has a billing department, as all treatment is free regardless of race, religion or relationship to a Mason.
May I (as I do each year) ask you to keep these folks in mind if you ever meet a child in need?
(My thanks to all those who approved me posting this and helped me learn how to ask permission.)
It is the type of thing to which I would contribute. Is there a web site that accepts contributions?
Probably. Still, I wouldn’t worry about it. I write them a nice check each October 1st. Jot down the number and if you ever need it, just tell them it is already covered.
Shriners Hospitals for Children
From the site:
Who is Eligible?
Any child may be eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals if:
* the child is under the age of 18
* there is a reasonable possibility the child's condition can be helped by the specialized care provided by Shriners Hospitals for Children
There is never a charge to the patient or parents for any medical care or services provided at a Shriners Hospital.
93 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to patient care and research. How many charities can say that?
We have one of these locally. Not only do they do fantastic work, but the nurses I’ve known who’ve worked there all describe it as a wonderful, positive working environment and they’re happy to have a job there. This is a VERY rare thing to hear these days.
You could watch for the Shrine Circus to come to town. More fun than writing a check, and if circuses aren’t your thing, buy some tickets and donate them to, well, to someone needy in your area. Maybe a school or a shelter or that family down the street.