CMN Hospitals receives grant from Kohl’s Cares

Children from Ed V. Williams Elementary in Springfield attended an assembly on Friday to learn about staying heart healthy – in kid-friendly way. It’s the kick-off of a new partnership between CoxHealth Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Kohl’s Cares that aims to identify children at risk for obesity and heart disease, and teach them and their families how to live a healthier lifestyle.

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the United States, and southwest Missouri is not immune. Poor eating habits, improper nutrition and a lack of exercise can lead to serious health problems as children grow. With the $45,020 donation from Kohl’s Cares, CMN Hospitals is launching the Kohl’s C.A.R.D.I.A.C. Fun program, which will work to fight the childhood obesity epidemic through a variety of fun events aimed at children ages 5-18 and their families. Through the program at-risk children and adolescents will be identified and will be able to participate in a number of fun events with their families, where they can learn more about living a healthy life. 

 “Studies have shown us how widespread and dangerous the epidemic of childhood obesity is. We’re thankful to Kohl’s Cares for this grant, and we’re thankful that with it we’ll be able to make a real impact on the health of local children,” says Lauren Holland (above), CoxHealth Health and Wellness coordinator and Kohl’s C.A.R.D.I.A.C. Fun coordinator.

Kohl's commitment to CoxHealth and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is made possible through the Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program. Through this initiative, Kohl’s sells $5 books and plush toys where 100 percent of net profit benefits children’s health and education programs nationwide, including hospital partnerships like this one. Kohl's has raised more than $180 million dollars through this merchandise program. In addition to the merchandise program, Kohl's Cares features the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program, which last year recognized more than 2,100 young volunteers with a total of $410,000 in scholarships and prizes. 

Through Kohl’s Associates in Action volunteer program, more than 385,000 associates have donated more than 1.2 million hours of their time since 2001 and Kohl’s has donated more than $35 million to youth-focused nonprofit organizations. Kohl’s also offers fundraising gift cards for schools and youth-serving organizations. For more information, visit Kohls.com/Cares.