State Rep. Thomas Walsh Launches 3rd Pop-Tab Drive For Ronald McDonald House

PEABODY, MA — State Rep. Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody) has launched the third annual Pop-Tab Collection to support the local chapter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities that provide free housing and services to families of children receiving medical care in Boston and Rhode Island hospitals.

"Every day, children and their families arrive from across the United States and from around the world to receive critical medical treatment at Boston hospitals," Walsh said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with Lauren and her team at Ronald McDonald House Charities to support their mission of providing a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere, home-cooked meals, and activities to these families during a very difficult and stressful time.

"This summer, I hope you will join me in saving the can-tab from a can of soda, seltzer, or beer. Together, we can make a difference for a family in need."

The collection will run through Labor Day with those interested in participating or donating encouraged to arrange for pickups at 978-531-8489 or tpw6@comcast.net. Pop-tabs will then be recycled with the proceeds going toward program funding.

"Donations through the pop-tab campaign help us provide all the comforts of home to families staying with us who are experiencing the most challenging medical crises," RMHCNE CEO Lauren Hoops-Schmieg said. "We could also really use some help in receiving items from our Amazon and Target Wish Lists — these items are standard household things like laundry detergent and bed linens that help us provide all the necessities for the families staying with us."

Go here for more ways to contribute to or assist Ronald McDonald House Charities New England.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)