Traveling Turkeys
November is National Caregivers’ Month. Taking care of loved ones is the ultimate act of love and affection. Although most people never plan for it, each year thousands of family members and friends step up and take on enormous personal responsibility by becoming caregivers. The Mid America Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will send their thanks to caregivers all across Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri through Traveling Turkeys: Giving Thanks for Giving Care. This year, we hope to deliver 100 Thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings to individuals living with MS and their caregivers. This program allows us to alleviate the stresses, both physically and financially, of preparing a holiday meal for our clients and their caregivers. It is our way of thanking those who are committed to helping people living with MS.
How You Can Help:
There are many ways in which you can help.
- Collect food items for the Traveling Turkey baskets such as: stuffing, bags of potatoes, canned vegetables and cranberries, dinner rolls, turkeys and large delivery baskets
- Donate gift certificates to grocery stores
- Make a tax-deductible donation towards this program
- Volunteer to deliver these special holiday dinners
For More Information: Contact Janell Peterson, Program Coordinator, at jpeterson@nmsskc.org or at 913-432-3927
Survey Assistant
We are looking for someone that likes to make phone calls to assist us in contacting people to go through a survey with them. There will be a script provided, and you will need to ask the questions and record the responses. The time commitment on this project will be no longer than 2 hours, and we need you once a month. Please call 1-432-3926, press or say 2 and ask for Erica Kiehnhoff. Or email Erica at erica@nmsskc.org for more information.
Program Planning Assistant
Do you enjoy planning parties and gatherings? Is organization and decorating your thing? We are seeking volunteers interested in planning logistics for programs. This could include finding locations, doing accessibility assessments for locations, finding caterers, seeking in-kind donations, creating centerpieces or staffing an information booth at an event. We are currently working on our Holiday Party for December and a Couple’s Retreat for February or March. Call 1-432-3926, press or say 2 and ask for Judy. Or email joberheu@nmsskc.org for more information.
Volunteer Accessibility Specialist
Do you have an eye for detail? Do you like taking on a project and running with it? You might make a great Accessibility Specialist! We are looking for a few people to be trained to look at potential program and event sites and evaluate their accessibility for people with disabilities. This Specialist would research possible venues, conduct initial phone screening to determine feasibility of site for society use, perform checks on identified venues and track potential venues in spreadsheet.
Not only are you helping the Society, you will increase opportunities for people with MS to attend programs in their local area. And you will acquire new skills expand your personal knowledge of MS and the National MS Society. Call 1-432-3926, press or say 2 and ask for Judy. Or email joberheu@nmsskc.org for more information.
Friendly Faces Visiting Program
This program provides social visits from volunteers. Social interaction greatly enhances a person’s general well-being and sense of belonging. Isolation from the community at large can lead to depression, loneliness, feelings of low self worth and impaired self esteem. If you are understanding and delighted to share your time and attention, then you might make a great match. Volunteering for the Friendly Faces Program is easy!
Community Partners
Have a talent you want to share? Sign up to mow a lawn every month, put your mechanic skills to use, or donate any other talent you have for someone with MS. Love to play bridge? Would your club like to host a bingo night? You’re a massage therapist and would like to teach a class? Assist the MS staff to organize social events for our clients to enjoy a night of fun! We can work with you and your skills to better serve our clients and community. Call us today at 1-800-344-4867 and press 2 to find out how you can help!
Sign up to volunteer online.