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Local Students Raise Nearly $236,000 Through READ for Ronald Mcdonald House

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region (RMHC-CR) is proud to announce that its 2026 READ for Ronald McDonald House campaign raised nearly $236,000 during the months of February and March.

More than 2,000 students from 58 elementary, middle, and high schools across the Capital Region participated in this year’s initiative, combining literacy and philanthropy to make a meaningful impact on families with seriously ill or injured children receiving medical care at local hospitals.

“Each year, we are inspired by the dedication of our students, educators, and families who come together to support our mission to keep families close when it matters most,” said Amy McGeady, campaigns and marketing manager at RMHC-CR. “In just eight short weeks, our amazing readers raised enough money to provide more than 1,572 nights of lodging, meals and care for families at the House, at no cost to them. It truly is incredible and we could not be more thankful.”

Now in its 12th year, the premise of READ for Ronald McDonald House is simple: students are encouraged to volunteer their time spent reading to earn donations that will help the children and families served by RMHC-CR. Through their participation, students:

• Develop a strong sense of civic participation and community service;
• Make a direct impact on the lives of other children in need; and
• Celebrate their successes in reading – at whatever level of mastery they have achieved.

The success of the campaign reflects the collective effort of schools, volunteers, and community supporters who champion both literacy and service.

“This level of success doesn’t happen without a true community effort,” said McGeady. “Every teacher who encourages a student, every parent who supports and inspires their child to read, every volunteer who gives their time, and every family member or friend who donates is helping turn a love of reading into real support for families facing some of the most challenging times of their lives.”

In addition, the READ for Ronald McDonald House campaign is supported by numerous local business partners, including Albany Broadcasting, Apex Entertainment, Goldilocks Promos, National Grid, Saratoga Springs Publishing, Stewart’s Shops, Tri-City ValleyCats, Via Aquarium, Velocity Printing, and Zume Flume Water Park.

Since its inception in 2014, the READ program has empowered more than 26,000 students to give back while building lifelong literacy skills and community awareness. To date, the campaign has raised more than $2.4 million to support the needs of children and families struggling with serious childhood illnesses and injuries.

For more information, please visit rmhcofalbany.org/get-involved/read or contact Amy McGeady at (518) 281-2798.