 |
|
News
| Charity offers respite trips for families with sick parent |
|
Organization in need of monetary donations, gift cards, fundraisers
Children should have good memories of their parents. Memories of Love helps create treasured memories that will last forever for children who have parents with a life-threatening or critical illness.
Those parents and their immediate families, with children age 16 and younger, can receive five nights and six days in Orlando, known as a respite trip, to spend quality time together. Families are given three-day passes to Disney World, one-day passes to Sea World and two-day passes to Universal Studios. Hotel rooms, discounted meal coupons and $200 for other expenses are also provided.
About 600 families from 33 states have been granted a respite-trip vacation, 200 of which are from the Northeast Florida area.
To apply, call (904) 596-2789 or go to www.memoriesoflove.org and click on “instructions” for directions and application forms. The program is only open to first-time wish recipients who qualify.
“People don’t always think of the children and their needs when the parents are very ill,” said Helen Werking, executive director. “Memories of Love helps parents create some happy memories for their children at a time when they need it most.”
Memories of Love is supported by corporate donations and contributions from the public. Ways to help include monetary donations, holding a fundraiser, sponsoring a wish or holding a campaign to benefit a specific family. For more information, call the organization or e-mail to info@memoriesoflove.org with your ideas.
In-kind items, such as gas cards or restaurant vouchers from a chain restaurant that could be used in Orlando, are always appreciated. To donate online, go to the Web site and click on the “make a donation” button.
by Cindy Holifield for Florida Times Union |
|
