Silver Cross Foundation Receives Walmart Community Grants

NEW LENOX, IL — Over the past several months, Silver Cross Hospital has received a total of $11,500 in community grants and gift cards from the Walmart stores in New Lenox, Joliet and Lockport. The hospital said the grants are to help support coronavirus relief efforts and advance heart care services.

Earlier this month, Shannon Mills, New Lenox Walmart general manager, and several associates, personally presented $5,000 in gift cards for the hospital’s Employee Assistance Fund.

“The gift cards will be given to Silver Cross employees, especially those who are experiencing financial hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tracy Simons, Executive Director of the Silver Cross Foundation.

In addition, the hospital said Mills commissioned a $5,000 grant to support the not-for-profit hospital’s general operating fund.

“Over the past two months, Silver Cross has cared for over 2,100 patients who have been suspected or tested positive for the COVID-19 virus,” said Simons. “We are grateful for Walmart’s support so that we can continue to provide safe, quality healthcare for our patients during this difficult time.”

The Walmart Foundation’s Community Grant Program awards grants of $250 to $5,000 through Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and Logistics facilities. Eligible nonprofit organizations must operate within the service area of the facility from which they are requesting funding, the hospital said.

Silver Cross also received $1,000 from Joliet and $500 from the Lockport stores to advance heart care services in the community. Silver Cross Hospital recently started construction on a 33,000-square-foot, 2-story addition on the east side of the hospital that will include two cardiovascular operation rooms, two open heart operating rooms, a hybrid room for minimally invasive heart procedures, and more.

The hospital said construction is expected to be complete in late 2020.