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Cherokee Regional Medical Center - Giving Back to the Community
Cherokee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has been serving the needs of its five-county region for more than 95 years, expanding to meet the needs of the community. In 2008, the hospital organized an employee-based Community Service Committee with the goal of helping some of its local social service organizations meet the needs of their clients. As one of the largest employers in the small rural county, CRMC has employees that want to do something to positively impact the community. Each year, committee members select projects or organizations to benefit from their efforts. They then organize fund-raising events during which employees can contribute items and/or cash that is then distributed to a selected local charitable organization.
Overview
Cherokee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has been serving the needs of its five-county region for more than 95 years, expanding to meet the needs of the community. In 2008, the hospital organized an employee-based Community Service Committee with the goal of helping some of its local social service organizations meet the needs of their clients. As one of the largest employers in the small rural county, CRMC has employees that want to do something to positively impact the community. Each year, committee members select projects or organizations to benefit from their efforts. They then organize fund-raising events during which employees can contribute items and/or cash that is then distributed to a selected local charitable organization.
Impact
Since 2008, the employees of Cherokee Regional Medical Center have raised in excess of $68,000 to be distributed to various organizations and relief efforts including: the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Toys for Tots, Backpack Buddies student food program, 4-H, Center’s Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA), local and statewide flood relief efforts, and Children’s Miracle Network. In addition to these cash donations, CRMC employees also have donated thousands of food and non-food items to local food pantries, Mid Sioux Opportunity, CAASA and Souls for Souls.
Challenges/success factors
Facts about the beneficiary organization, the services it provides, and the number of clients it serves contribute to the success of a campaign. Frequent reminders and various communications are sent to the CRMC employees so they do not forget the effort underway.
Advice to others
Keeping everyone in the loop via frequent communication with employees is important to the success of the program. Progress reports remind employees of the need to support the local organizations. In addition, competition among employee groups or departments generates more enthusiasm – nudging individuals to contribute goods or funds to the cause at hand.
Contact: John Schneider
Telephone: 712-225-3368, ext. 297
E-mail: jschneider@cherokeermc.org
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