Each year, The Meland Foundation provides financial help for families facing severe illness.

The program is named The Meland Foundation’s Karen H. Hanson Compassion Awards, named for a long-time board member who served as an officer of the board for many years.

Gifts are awarded from $100 to $2000 to families, individuals, or medical programs who meet the award criteria.

Compassion awards have been made under this program by The Meland Foundation for many years to Camp Sunshine, a national retreat in Maine for children fighting life-threatening illnesses and their families.  These scholarships enable families to enjoy quality time together while a child with illness also receives medical treatments.

Foundation President Carl Nelson presents a Karen Hanson Compassion Award to Family Reach.

Awards have been made to families of children with autism receiving treatment at the Child Development and Autism Center at Goryeb Children’s Hospital, a nonprofit state-designated Children’s Hospital on the campus of Morristown Medical Center.  Children received copies of “Hang on, Hester!” with a monetary gift to their parents.  Additionally, awards to increase programming for these “at risk” children have been made to the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center.  The Center services upwards of 5300 patients per year.

Trustee Paul Nelson visiting the Goryeb Children’s Hospital.

Awards have been made to the Children’s Ministry programs at the Community Church of Harrington Park, a church where Karen H. Hanson’s father served as pastor.  It is a program that serves many children with special needs.