Is it better to give or receive? Well, St. Louisans don’t have to worry about the answer to that philosophical quandary thanks to the Glennon Card. Every fall, the program gives the community the opportunity to shop local, support kids in need and save money. By purchasing a $60 card, you unlock a 20% discount at more than 340 local shops, restaurants and other service providers. All proceeds from card sales directly support the young patients and families at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Presented by Edward Jones, the Glennon Card initiative is co-led by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon and the Glennon Guild, a women’s auxiliary with more than 100 members. The guild was established in 1957 as a collective of doctors’ wives looking to support the hospital. For almost 70 years, it has been dedicated to volunteering in the hospital, fundraising and providing resources to Cardinal Glennon patients and their families. “It’s incredibly fulfilling and rewarding work,” Glennon Card program coordinator Karen Page says. “You get to meet so many amazing people.”
Along with the Glennon Card program, the Glennon Guild gives back to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon in a variety of ways. Throughout the year, it sells Gift Tags for Glennon, which are handmade by Guild members. During the holiday season, the group hosts Deck the Halls, an annual self-guided home tour. “We also do a lot of collections to meet the ongoing needs of the hospital,” Page adds. “We help keep the book carts stocked and host a drive for feminine hygiene products. There also is the Glennon Guild Resource Room, which is used to supply families in need with things like strollers, clothes, diapers, shoes and more.”
Since its founding in 2011, the Glennon Card program has raised more than $2.9 million. The funds have supported initiatives like the Orthwein Center for Infant and Child Nutrition, the 3D Printing Center of Excellence, the Danis Pediatric Center, the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center, enhancements to patient areas and hospital programs like Footprints, and Reach Out and Read. “Our goal is to meet the needs of the hospital, whether that’s helping fund new equipment or finding ways to improve patients’ experiences,” Page says. “For 2025, the Glennon Card proceeds will help support a $1 million pledge the Glennon Guild has made to the building of a new Cardinal Glennon Hopsital.”
This year’s Glennon Card shopping period is Oct. 17 to 26. Digital cards can be purchased online at glennoncard.org, or paper versions are available at select retailers. For Page, it’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to support a great cause while also shopping at local businesses. “We’re thrilled to have more than 340 businesses on board to support the initiative,” she notes. “Each purchase of a Glennon Card is essentially a $60 donation directly to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon —the 20% discount is like an added bonus for your generosity.”
On Oct. 13, Glennon Guild is offering a free early shopping opportunity through the Glennon Card Shoppes Boutique. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., people can visit Hilton St. Louis Frontenac to shop from around 30 vendors who will honor the 20% Glennon Card discount. “It’s an extra day to shop with the discount and learn about some great local boutiques and merchants,” notes Judy Dude, co-chair for the event. “Many of the vendors are online only, so this is a rare opportunity to check out their merchandise in person before buying. The hotel’s restaurant, Provinces, also will be honoring the Glennon Card, so it’s perfect for grabbing lunch after shopping.”
Vendors participating in the Glennon Card Shoppes Boutique include jewelry artist Abby Keough Custom Creations, Tradd Street Boutique, gourmet popcorn shop Kirkwood Pop Co. and Claire Flowers, which offers handcrafted shoes—and that is only scratching the surface of what will be available. “We have everything from women and children’s clothing to accessories and home goods,” Dude says. “The boutique is a really great opportunity to shop local while also supporting the kids and families of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon—it’s a win for everyone.”
Purchase a Glennon Card for 10 days of major savings at local retailers and eateries Oct. 17 to 26. For more information or to purchase a Glennon Card, visit glennoncard.org.
