LOCAL BUSINESSES FIGHT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ONE SHAMROCK AT A TIME

People in Houston are donating to the Muscular Dystrophy Association by participating in MDA’s annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program. Thousands here and across the country are buying and signing $1 and $5 Shamrock mobiles at restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores and other local retailers to be displayed and create a festive St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere.

Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is the nation’s largest charitable campaign associated with St. Patrick’s Day, and many businesses here have supported it for years.

Timewise Food Stores have partnered up with MDA on the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy for more than 20 years. Jim Parker is excited about the $45,600 goal his Houston and San Antonio stores will be working to reach. If the combined efforts of the 78 stores reach the goal, they will surpass the $36,900 Timewise Food Stores raised last year.

The campaign raises money to help send more than 100 local kids to MDA Summer Camp, assist in the purchasing or repairing of wheelchairs and leg braces, cover clinic-related professional fees, underwrite the cost of MDA support group sessions and fund research.

In 2007, this popular MDA tradition raised $330,688 dollars in Houston and the surrounding areas through the efforts of volunteers, participating businesses and donors.