(Joplin, MO) – Joplin Sam’s Club officials on Monday presented a $65,074.04 check to Freeman Health System officials. It marks the ninth time in the past 10 years that Sam’s Club #6415 has led all 607 company locations nationwide in total Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) fundraising. Freeman proudly serves as the region’s only CMN hospital.
Since 1993, Sam’s Club #6415 employees and customers have donated $659,518.82 to children and their families across 14 counties in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma through employee contributions, banner sponsorships and customer donations.
“This is our favorite time of year,” said Renee Denton, Market President for the Missouri/Kansas market. “The funds will be utilized in many different ways to support children right here in our community, advancing the program and helping care for those in need.”
The funds help cover direct family needs, including travel assistance, prescriptions, medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers, and specialized pediatric programs. One hundred percent of every dollar raised locally stays local.
“We are just so thrilled to be a partner with Sam’s Club,” Denton said.
Numerous banners featuring current and former Freeman CMN Champions and their corporate sponsors hang above the checkout lanes, serving as a visible reminder of the community’s support.
“It’s great to see those faces,” said Sam’s Club Assistant Manager Romesh Navaratnam. “Some of those children have grown up, and some have moved away, but we still have them up there as a reminder of the partnership we have and of a community that steps up to help us year after year.”
A portion of this year’s donation will be used to expand the existing courtyard at Freeman Hospital West, creating a dedicated playground area for young patients. The courtyard is a unique outdoor space located within the hospital structure that is open to the elements, allowing patients of all ages to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
“When children are patients in the hospital, this will be an area they can visit and spend time outdoors, even when they’re not feeling well, which is an important part of the healing process,” Denton said. “It will be a wonderful area that is safe for our children while remaining close to the care they need.”
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek, and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center—the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Reference:
Kevin McClintock, Media Relations Coordinator
Freeman Health System
417.434.3458
KSMcclintock@freemanhealth.com
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