Each year in St. Louis, thousands of kids need medical care for illnesses and injuries, and many are from families with limited resources. It may seem like such an overwhelming issue that one individual couldn’t possibly have any impact. But that’s not the case at all, says Sandy Koller, president of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation, which supports SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. She says St. Louisans can make a real difference for pediatric patients simply by purchasing and using a Glennon Card, part of an innovative shopping program that offers discounts at hundreds of area retailers and restaurants.
From Oct. 18 through 27, the card is good for 20% off purchases at more than 350 shops, salons and eateries. Koller says merchants get excited about the program each year, and they stock up to get ready for it. The discount is not limited to one purchase or a certain set of items—it’s good on regularly priced merchandise at participating stores, and some businesses even promote it ahead of time to get St. Louisans in the mood to save. “This period tends to be one of our retailers’ busiest times of the year,” Koller notes. “They bring in additional merchandise because they know Glennon Card shoppers will be out in force, looking for new things for the fall.”
This year, it’s easier than ever to participate in the program, which is presented by Edward Jones. Besides the traditional printed Glennon Card for $60, now there is a digital smartphone version for $50. When you visit glennoncard.org, you can choose the printed version or a downloadable card image to show at the register. “It’s easy to order as a gift, too,” Koller adds. “The best part is, all proceeds go directly to the hospital’s funded programs. The most efficient way to use the card is to visit the website, sort the vendors by what you want to buy, and map out the retailers and restaurants you choose.”
Koller notes that since the Glennon Card launched in 2011, it has raised more than $1.5 million. Each year, the funds benefit different hospital initiatives, like the Footprints program, a network of palliative care services for children with life-threatening conditions. It addresses the needs of the patient and the family, helping to make end-of-life transitions easier. “Footprints provides care coordination, emotional support and other services for these families,” Koller notes. “It takes a lot of anxiety and pressure off of them at a difficult time. The program is especially important for patients with complex cases who are seeing multiple specialists.”
According to Koller, the growth and popularity of the Glennon Card are proof it is making a significant difference in the lives of children and families. “We have more participating retailers than ever, both national and local, and many of them come back year after year,” she says. “They love supporting a worthy cause and helping customers get a jump on their holiday shopping. In fact, without the Glennon Card, some of our important hospital initiatives wouldn’t exist. The program works because St. Louisans get great discounts on products and services, and kids at Cardinal Glennon benefit from exceptional health care.”
Purchase a Glennon Card for 10 days of major savings at local retailers and eateries Oct. 18-27. Look for more coverage on the program in the Sept. 25 & Oct. 9 issues of Town&Style.
Pictured at top: The Glennon Card is now available in a digital version.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation