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."