SPRINGFIELD – During this season of generosity, the Springfield Memorial Foundation is seeking donations for its end-of-year appeal in support of the foundation’s efforts to promote wellness and improve the health of people in the communities it serves, the foundation’s executive director said.

The foundation works in a variety of ways, both inside and outside of the hospital walls. This spring, the annual distribution of grant funding awarded more than $600,000 to health-related projects to Memorial Health, SIU School of Medicine and the community.

"Every gift makes a difference for our patients, colleagues and local community,” said Melissa Hansen Schmadeke, executive director of the Springfield Memorial Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors we are able to provide review courses for nurses, new equipment for physical therapy patients, innovative research in medicine and even help local kids go to camp free of charge."

To support the Springfield Memorial Foundation 2021 end-of-year appeal, tax-deductible contributions can be made payable to Springfield Memorial Foundation and mailed to 701 N. First St., Mail Code 61, Springfield, IL 62781. Donations can also be made online at memorial.health/smf. For more information about the foundation, call 217-788-4700.