United Way of Central Kansas often provides for the essentials in life. It's nice to have a little fun as well. Box of Love returns this February with a Valentine's Day surprise for homebound seniors. The mini tote bags will be filled with a refrigerator memo magnet, facial tissue, word puzzles and a pencil, toothpaste and a toothbrush, chocolates, and non-slip fuzzy socks. Each package will also include homemade Valentine’s Day cards made by local kids.
"This is just about bringing smiles to the faces of people in our community, I think a lot of times people forget about," said UWCK Director Charell Owings. "They're people that are receiving home healthcare services, or getting Meals on Wheels delivered to them, but otherwise, they don't have a whole lot of human contact. It's just another way to come into their homes and bring them a special little treat. They probably don't need, need any of the items that are in these bags, but there's something fun in it. It brings a smile to their face, and I think we can all use that most days."
UWCK works with nursing homes, ElderCare Home Services, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice, and Meals on Wheels to distribute these sweet goodie bags.
New this year, you can brighten someone’s day for only $10 a box, including delivery on Feb. 14. Boxes will be available for purchase from Jan. 1 through Feb. 6 for residents of Barton and Pawnee Counties. Forms are available via email (contact the UWCK Office at (620) 792-2403), or online at the UWCK website.
Anyone interested in making Valentine’s Day cards to be included in these packages can drop them off at:
· Ellinwood-Sunflower Bank
· Great Bend-UWCK Office (Great Bend Chamber of Commerce)
· Hoisington-First Kansas Bank
· Larned-Chamber of Commerce
Boxes of Love would not be possible without the support of UWCK sponsors Cuna Mutual Group, University of Kansas Health Systems, Midwest Energy, and Thrivent Financial.