Force for Good: Nearly $70K going into foster system

Mercy Clinic Springfield Communities physicians and colleagues this week awarded $68,800 in donations to local nonprofits.

The check presentations to four charities were made via the Force for Good campaign. Mercy Clinic now has donated over $1.9 million in the past 14 years, according to a news release.

“This year, we were touched by the amazing services our grant recipients provide to foster children,” said Dr. David Geier, Mercy gastroenterologist and one of three chairpersons for Force for Good, in the release. “We believe these children deserve a loving, stable family life.”

The largest amount, $50,000, went to Ambassadors for Children, a service of Council of Churches of the Ozarks, to buy a van to take foster children to its Kids’ Closet free-clothing store.

The remainder went to:
    •    FosterAdopt Connect SWMO, $7,500 to purchase 20 bunk beds and 15 cribs with mattresses for children in foster care;
    •    Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, $6,600 to help students aging out of the foster care system learn safe driving skills; and
    •    Missouri State University Care Clinic, $4,788 to buy supplies and medications serving local uninsured adults.