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Our mission is to empower people living with neuromuscular diseases to live longer, more independent lives.
Muscular Dystrophy Association Launches Nationwide Holiday Retail Campaign, Bringing Support for Families to Communities Across the Country
Annual campaign gives shoppers an opportunity to turn everyday purchases into meaningful impact for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases.
NEW YORK – Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – This holiday season, everyday moments at the checkout counter can help create meaningful change for families living with neuromuscular disease. The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today launched its annual MDA Holiday Retail Campaign, bringing together retail partners and their customers across the country to help strengthen the communities MDA serves. Beginning in October and continuing through January, customers at participating retail locations nationwide can support MDA by donating at checkout, rounding up their purchase or giving online. For more than a decade, retail partners including Circle K, Florida Turnpike Services, GPM Investments, Piggly Wiggly and National Oil & Gas have helped bring MDA’s mission to communities across the country and are proudly participating in this year’s campaign. To find a participating location near you, visit MDA.org/retail.
Every gift helps MDA bring its mission closer to home. Donations support programs and services that can make a difference in the everyday lives of families, from access to expert multidisciplinary care through the MDA Care Center Network and resources for navigating life with neuromuscular disease, to durable medical equipment grants, scholarships and transformative experiences at MDA Summer Camp. Support also helps advance research and advocacy efforts working to accelerate treatments and improve quality of life for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and more than 300 related neuromuscular diseases.
Participating locations will also feature MDA Holiday Pinups highlighting members of the MDA community and putting real faces and stories behind the mission. Together, these displays offer customers an opportunity to see the people and families whose lives are being impacted by the generosity of their communities.
Turning Community Generosity into Meaningful Impact
“Every donation made through the MDA Holiday Retail Campaign helps bring our mission closer to the families and communities we serve,” said Ruth Ann Dailey, Chief Development Officer, Muscular Dystrophy Association. “A gift at checkout may seem like a small gesture, but together, these contributions help connect families to expert care and resources, support life-changing programs and experiences, and advance research toward new treatments. We are grateful to the retailers, employees and customers who make this community-driven impact possible.”
Sharing Stories, Building Strength in Community
The MDA Holiday Pinup campaign puts real faces and stories behind the impact of community support for people living with neuromuscular diseases. MDA Ambassadors featured in the campaign share their stories:
- Leo | Utah | Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
“I’m excited to be an MDA Ambassador and help people learn more about Duchenne. When our community comes together to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, it helps families like mine feel supported and gives us hope for the future.” - Javen | Florida | Pompe disease
“Having Pompe disease is part of my story, but it doesn’t stop me from being a kid, having fun, and chasing my dreams. I’m proud to be an MDA Ambassador because I can help people learn about Pompe disease and show other kids that they can keep doing the things they love. I hope my story brings hope to other families and encourages people to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.” - Tasha Wilson | Ohio | Myasthenia gravis (MG)
“Living with myasthenia gravis has taught me the importance of having the right support and resources. The Muscular Dystrophy Association has helped me better understand my condition and connect with care and community, and I’m proud to share my story so others know they’re not alone.”
This year’s campaign celebrates the power of community-driven giving and the collective impact made possible when retailers, employees, customers and the MDA community come together. A donation made at a local checkout can help advance a national mission, and help MDA continue bringing resources, opportunities and hope to families where they live.
Join the conversation and share campaign highlights by tagging @MDAorg and using #GiveStrength and #HappyHolidays.
Watch MDA community story and distribute Public Service Announcements:
Media contact: press@mdausa.org
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for over 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
