Dear Parent/Guardian: McDowell Elementary is kicking off our annual American Heart Association Hoops For Heart program! The event will be held during the week of March 10th-14th. Each year when your child participates in Hoops For Heart he/she:

Learns about the importance of the heart – how it works and how to take care of it!

Helps kids with special hearts: Did you know Congenital Heart Defects are the most common cause of infant death from birth defects? Congenital Heart Defects affects 1 out of every 100 children. Many children are alive today because of treatments not available even 10 years ago.

Feels good for making a difference in people’s lives! Through this community service project,

our students have the opportunity to raise funds for the American Heart Association to fund research, medicines, surgeries, and educational materials to lower the risks of America’s #1 and #4 killers: heart disease and stroke.

DEADLINE: Donations are due back in your child’s envelope on THURSDAY MARCH 20th - Please make checks payable to American Heart Association. Please convert cash to checks. You can even check with your place of employment to see if they offer a matching gift

NEW this year: Lifesaver Ducks! Your child has the opportunity to earn seven of our exclusive American Heart Association Ducks!

See the back of your child’s Hoops for Heart Envelope for the first LifeSaver

Duck coupon – this needs turned in to the PE teacher once your child raises $5 to instantly receive their first exclusive camo duck and lanyard!

Once your child receives their first online donation of ANY amount, print their donation report and send it to school for them to instantly receive their 2nd Lifesaver Duck! (The Black Ninja Duck)

Once your child receives $75 in online donations, print their donation report and send it to school for them to instantly receive their 3rd Lifesaver Duck! (Mr. Cool, our PE Duck)

All other ducks earned will come with the rest of the prizes after the event! See back of this letter for online fundraising instructions – it’s fun, safe, easy, and a great way to raise lifesaving researching dollars! Sincerely, Jayne Marconi & Martin Sires (Physical Education Department)

ONLINE FUNDRAISING INSTRUCTIONS: NEED HELP? HAVE QUESTIONS? Call the American Heart Association Customer Service 1-800-309-3466

Go to www.heart.org/hoops - click on register today! (see below) Follow the step by step instructions to search for your school, join the school team, & create a

username/password. Once you have registered online and created your webpage, use your HeartQuarters to navigate through your webpage! (send emails, customize webpage, share on social media, etc.!)

Don’t have a computer? No big deal! Download our FREE Jump/Hoops Mobile app and register your child today on your mobile device! It’s safe, easy, & convenient! For apple & android users – search for “jump/hoops” under app store!

Click on “Register Today” or on the Hoops for Heart logo to get started!