ALBUQUERQUE, NM - When Family Motor Coach Association members depart New Mexico at the end of the group's upcoming convention, they will leave behind a lasting legacy by way of several charitable programs.  The Cincinnati-based international motorhome owners group will host its 83rd International Convention at EXPO New Mexico, March 22, 23, 24, and 25, 2010. The association has made it a goal to give back to the communities it visits for its conventions.
 
  • A group of Family Motor Coach Association members who enjoy quilting have been stitching special gifts to leave behind in New Mexico.  The FMCA On-Road Quilters will donate children's quilts to Project Linus, a nationwide charitable organization that provides quilts for kids in hospitals and to various other charities that offer services to children. Based on past motorhome conventions, Melanie Boyer, the Family Motor Coach Association member who coordinates this effort, expects that FMCA members will bring along and donate some 40 to 50 quilts.  The quilts will be on display at the FMCA Information Center in the Creative Arts Center on Thursday, March 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  A Project Linus coordinator will be available during this time to discuss their organization. This has become an FMCA tradition and is one means of leaving something behind in the community.
  • During the convention, used eyeglasses will be donated by FMCA members as a way of supporting the Lions' Foundation Eyeglass Program, which helps to ensure that needy people are able to enjoy the benefits of vision correction.
  • Many RVers are involved in the activities of Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing worldwide. In fact, FMCA even has a chapter whose members donate their time and talents throughout the year by participating in Habitat for Humanity builds. The group often schedules builds near conventions and rallies FMCA hosts, but the build scheduled following the New Mexico convention was cancelled by the local affiliate. FMCA members will be able to make donations for future builds at the Habitat booth located in the FMCA Information Center in the Creative Arts Center beginning on Monday, March 22, or by mailing a check to FMCA, c/o Round Up Programs, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Make checks payable to FMCA and note that the donation specifically is for Habitat for Humanity. All contributions received will be donated in FMCA's name to Habitat for Humanity; no administrative fees will be retained by FMCA. 
These represent only a few of the ways Family Motor Coach Association members are making a difference in the lives of others.  Many of the association's nearly 500 chapters support various worthwhile causes year-round.  In addition, throughout the year association members participate in a dues "Round Up" program that benefits Habitat For Humanity, the National Center on Family Homelessness, ProLiteracy Worldwide, and Good Will-Hinckley Homes For Boys and Girls, organizations that provide a helping hand to families throughout the country.  To date the association has donated more than $1 million to these organizations.
 
It's no accident that "Family" is the first word in the Family Motor Coach Association's name. Association members place great value on "family matters" and have chosen to help families in need whenever possible.
 
The Family Motor Coach Association is an international organization for people who own and enjoy the recreational use of motorized, self-contained recreation vehicles known as motorhomes. The organization's national office is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and can be reached toll-free by calling (800) 543-3622 or visiting FMCA.com.>>>>