The Western Tidewater Free Clinic recently became the beneficiary of a donation directed its way by a local farmer.

Brian Bosselman won the opportunity to direct the $2,500 donation from the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. He chose to give it to the clinic.

The Bosselman family grows peanuts, cotton, soybeans, corn and wheat on more than 2,000 acres in Suffolk and Isle of Wight County.

“I’m glad they’re giving a little money back,” Bosselman said of Monsanto. “I’m just glad (the clinic) is here to help some folks. There’s a lot of people that can’t afford health insurance.”

The Bosselmans first heard about the program through clinic volunteer Pam Hill and her husband, Billy Hill. The clinic spread the word through its volunteer network.

Brian Bosselman, his father David Bosselman, and his brother Hunter Bosselman all took the time to enroll with Monsanto, and Brian Bosselman was selected.

“It was easy to do,” Brian Bosselman said.

Officials with the clinic, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, said the donation will be beneficial for its patients.

“This helps us with two patients for a year,” Director of Development Ashley Greene said. “This really is a huge thing. We wouldn’t be here and wouldn’t still be open if it weren’t for community support.”

Chet Hart, executive director of the Western Tidewater Free Clinic, said every donation matters.

“It takes every dollar we can come by from every source,” he said. “It’s really critical. It’s one of those opportunities we get from part of the community that means a lot to us, our agricultural community.”

Since the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program started in 2010, farmers have directed more than $26 million in donations to their favorite local organizations. In 2017, the program is expected to add $3 million to that total.

The clinic provides health care for uninsured residents of Western Tidewater who cannot otherwise afford it. For more information, visit wtfreeclinic.org.