January 20, 2009

In its latest effort to support the Merrill community, the Good Samaritan Health Center Employee Advised Fund has awarded $5100 to support area organizations.

Launched in January of 2007 the Employee Advised Fund was created for hospital employees that were seeking assistance with local fundraising events and support for the community.

Agencies that received funding in the latest funding allocations include:

• Saint Vincent DePaul Free Clinic: $1250 for the purchase of two digital thermometers and medicine.
• Merrill Community Food Pantry: $1250 for the purchase of food.
• Good Samaritan Health Center Compassionate Care Fund: $600 for patients and their needs upon discharge from the Hospital. This allocation was augmented with $1,000 in matching funds from the Good Samaritan Health Center Foundation for a total donation of $1600.
• Lincoln County Respite Care: $500 to provide respite care to families with special needs children.
• Our Way Group Home: $500 for purchase of training materials for staff.

“Once again our employees have shown tremendous support for our community,” said Kathy Brecke, Good Samaritan Foundation/community outreach director. “The employee advised fund participants not only dedicate themselves to their jobs everyday but go above and beyond with their contributions to support these agencies.”

The Good Samaritan Employee Advised Fund is directed by a committee of up to 12 employees who participate on a voluntary basis. Together, they review local causes and allocate these funds and matching Foundation funds to local causes linked close to those who share the same values as Ministry Health Care.