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Meredith’s Miracles is now accepting donations for its annual “Every Penny Counts” end of the year campaign and seeking assistance for the public to help with the cause.

Each year, thousands of families across Alabama are faced with the news their child or infant requires for a medical condition. Many times, treatments for these children are only offered at facilities such as Children’s Hospital in Birmingham or USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Mobile.

“When this happens, families that are already stressed must now deal with trying to find lodging while they are away from home as well as incur the expense of gas and food. While some families may only make one or two trips, others may face the need to travel more often in the cases of cancer and sickle cell treatments. Families with a baby in a NICU facility also deal with having to travel back and forth for weeks. For many families, these additional expenses can add up quickly putting them in a tough financial situation,” Meredith’s Miracles Executive Director Kiley Spears said.

This is when Meredith’s Miracles steps in to help families in need. There has been a steady increase in the requests for assistance.

“This year, the requests have increased substantially. In 2021, we provided $114,858 for 584 trips. We provided $157,341 for 911 trips in 2022. We raise funds throughout the year with events and grants; however, at the current rate of requests, additional funds are needed to help families through the end of the year.”

A gift of $2,500 can help fund the following expenses:

• Day trip – $75 per day for 10 trips: $750
• Meals – $25 per day for six days: $150
• Overnight trip – $200 per day for five days: $1,000
• NICU – $300 per child for two babies – $600

“As we approach the end of the year and reflect on all the good things in our life, please consider helping families during their time of need by supporting Meredith’s Miracles. Together, we will make sure that every penny counts. Your gift, of any amount, will make a difference,” Spears added.

Donations can be made by stopping by the Meredith’s Miracles office at 408 S. Three Notch St. or mailing a check to P. O. Box 2032, Andalusia, AL 36420. Donations can also be made online at jotform.com/app/232355455993163.

Meredith’s Miracles will also be holding a “Masters of the Green” charity golf tournament Friday, Oct. 6, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Enterprise Country Club. This event will be a 4-man scramble with cost set at $100 per player. The fee includes lunch, green fees, a cart, and range balls.

Sponsorships for the golf tournament are available in one of three levels: gold – $1,000 or more; silver – $500 or more; bronze – $100 or more. All three levels include hole sponsorship sign as well as recognition on social media and the Meredith’s Miracles website. Two teams are included in the gold level, and one team is included in the silver level. To become a sponsor or sign up for the tournament visit form.jotform.com/222094219462050.

Meredith’s Miracles is a 501 C3 non-profit organization specializing in assisting families in 27 counties in Alabama with travel expenses during medical emergencies.

Meredith’s Miracles began after Meredith McGlamory was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Wilms Tumors at the age of three. After two years of radiation, chemotherapy, and multiple surgeries, Meredith stopped responding to treatments and lost her battle with cancer on Sept. 7, 2003, at the age of five.

For more information email info@meredithsmiracles.org or call 334-222- 2866.