Overheards

Community Foundation of the Ozarks is accepting nominations through Oct. 20 for the 19th annual Humanitarian of the Year Award. Nominations are available at www.cfozarks.org. The award honors an individual who has personally sacrificed to extend services, time and resources toward helping others. An independent selection committee comprised of the chairman-elect of Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, three members of the clergy and three members of the community select the honoree. A $5,000 cash grant is divided equally between the recipient and charities of the recipient’s choice.

The award is made possible by earnings from an endowment fund established by Jewell Thompson Schweitzer, a former Community Foundation Board member and current advisory director. Past recipients include: Marie Prater; Pat Walker; Mary Beth O’Reilly; Sister Lorraine Biebel; Calvin Allen; Dr. Jim Blaine; John Harp; Paul and Cyndy Teas; Judge Tom E. Mountjoy; Harold Bengsch; Dr. John Bentley; and William and Virginia Darr.

Support for Women, Kids

Two businesses in Springfield are donating a portion of product sales this month to help women and children in need.

• A new bra line available at Staxx downtown clothing boutique is raising money for Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. Since Sept. 11, sales proceeds from the Le Mystere product are helping local people impacted by breast cancer, promoting breast cancer awareness, and providing resources and support for individuals and families affected by breast cancer. The lingerie was featured as one of Oprah’s favorite things and is worn by Angelina Jolie, Ivanka Trump and Jennifer Aniston. Le Mystere No. 9 is designed specifically for women who have had breast augmentations.

• JCPenney is selling $5 coupons good for 20 percent of off most items purchased Sept. 28. Proceeds from coupon sales will go to the Springfield Family YMCA after-school programs, which provides Springfield children in need with access to a safe place after school that fosters academic, physical and social development. The coupons can be purchased through Sept. 28, dubbed the Day of Giving Back, at the Battlefield Mall store and the JCPenney Home Store in Primrose Marketplace. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund has contributed more than $70 million to support after-school programs nationwide.

Slice of Nice

More than 2,500 children and parents attended the 2008 St. John’s Back to School Bash on Aug. 22, and Kohl’s department store cut a $57,768 check from its Kohl’s Cares for Kids program. The funds are in support of the St. John’s Kohl’s Injury Prevention Program, for which Kohl’s has contributed $149,500 in the past three years.

St. John’s Children’s Hospital partners with numerous community groups each year to educate children and their families on fire, sun and bike safety and hand-washing techniques.