Volunteer Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Are contributions tax deductible?

All participating hospitals are non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, so cash donations through Log A Load, which are channeled directly to the hospital, are fully tax-deductible as donations to charitable organizations.  As in the case of other charitable fundraisings, contributions raised through means such as auctions or carnivals may be partially deductible, for instance, if the winning bid for an auction item exceeds the item’s assessed value.

Can I stipulate an individual CMN Hospital for my donation?

Yes, one of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ founding commitments is to keep funds within the community in which they are generated. All donations go directly to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Does 100% of my contribution really go to the hospital?

Yes.  Your donation goes entirely to the CMN Hospital in your area.  Log A Load support groups—local, state, and national—cover their overhead from other sources and rely heavily on volunteer services and in-kind contributions.

How can I join a Log A Load committee?

State and local Log A Load campaigns always need volunteers to raise funds, organize events, and build visibility for Log A Load.  Give your state’s Log A Load contact a call or an e-mail, and introduce yourself. If there is no contact listed for your state, please email logaloadforkids@cmnhospitals.org to get a fundraiser started in your area.

How did it start?

In 1988, a dedicated telethon volunteer with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), William (Bill) Boyce, Boyce Distributors and SC Yemassee loggers Larry Connelly and his wife Carol, and Telethon Coordinator for MUSC Hospital Lorraine “Rainey” Evans, played a key role in establishing the Log A Load For Kids®  campaign through the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Telethon.

The basic concept of Log A Load For Kids®  is for loggers and wood-supplying businesses to donate the value of a load of logs, or any amount, to a nearby Children’s Miracle Network Hospital to be used in treating ill and injured children.  In addition, special fundraising events are organized by Log A Load For Kids® volunteers to supplement donations to the hospitals.

The South Carolina Forestry Association took this concept and developed the first successful Log A Load For Kids® program to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Since that time the Log A Load For Kids program has spread to 39 states, and has raised more than $44 million for 75 member hospitals.

How do children’s hospitals benefit from Log A Load’s support?

Children’s hospitals rely on community donations to provide the life-saving and live-improving care they are known for. Log A Load donations ensure that the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals serving their communities are able to treat every injury and illness imaginable, giving hope to millions of kids in need.

How is Log A Load For Kids® coordinated at the state level?

State logging or forestry association staff and committees make contact with the local CMN Hospital, determine projects to be funded, and set fundraising goals for the year.   They then publicize the program, organize fundraisers and arrange other giving opportunities.

How much does Log A Load raise every year?

Log A Load for Kids raises over $2 million annually and has raised over $46 million since 1992.

What is a state logging or forestry association?

Logging contractors, forest products businesses, and others with an interest in promoting and conserving the forest resource have formed statewide associations in states with significant forested area.   These associations promote common goals, usually related to conservation, education, government relations, improving the business environment, and promoting forest products.

What is Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

What is Log A Load For Kids®?

Log A Load For Kids® is a nationwide giving campaign through which loggers and others contribute to local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to provide medical care to kids in need, regardless of their families’ ability to pay.

What kind of fundraising campaigns?

Log A Load For Kids®  was originally formed to provide loggers with an opportunity to contribute the value of a load of logs, or any amount, to a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.   As the program grows, local Log A Load For Kids®  campaign organizers held auctions of donated items, raffles, carnival events, golf tournaments, walk-a-thons, and pledge campaigns.  Ideas are only limited by the ingenuity of local Log A Load committees.

Who runs Log A Load For Kids®?

State-level campaigns are sponsored and/or organized by a state’s logging or forestry associations and staffed by volunteers; some of these state-level campaigns even have local affiliates.  Members of state campaigns participate in the National Log A Load For Kids® Advisory Group, which communicates frequently to share ideas and bring alignment to local visions.  In the most basic sense, however, Log A Load For Kids® is always the product of local initiative and commitment to communities.

Who was the first chairman for the Log A Load For Kids® Program?

Bill Boyce of Boyce Distributors and Charles Wright of Stone Container, were the first co-chairs for the South Carolina Log A Load For Kids® Program.  With the help of the South Carolina Forestry Association staff, Log A Load For Kids® promotional materials, banners, pledge cards, operating rules and procedures and other related items were developed.