Volunteers In Action and AmeriCorps Senior match people who need a helping hand with people who are willing to reach out and give one.

Volunteers In Action of Central Kansas provides several programs that can provide support for independent living in a home setting, said Linn Hogg, executive director. “Community volunteers are the heart of Volunteers in Action.”

Here are a few of the services available:

Grocery Shopping: The shopping coordinator collects grocery orders by telephone. All orders must be in by Wednesday at 5 p.m. On Thursday and Friday, a volunteer buys the groceries and delivers them. Payment for groceries is made at the time of delivery.

To order groceries: Call Ashlen at 785-541-1030. Note: This program is only available in Great Bend.

RSVP Medical Transportation (Out of Town): No–cost transportation to necessary and long-distance medical appointments is available for Barton County and Pawnee County residents. Volunteer drivers use their personal vehicles to provide transportation. There is no charge for this service but donations toward the cost of fuel are greatly appreciated.

To make an appointment: Call 620-792-1614 one to two weeks in advance. You need to have all of your information (Appointment date/time, address, phone number, emergency contact name/phone number).

Meals On Wheels: Volunteers In Action contracts with Meals On Wheels to provide the day to day operations of this program. Volunteers deliver a hot nutritious noon meal between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For persons over the age of 60 and homebound, there is the opportunity to receive a reduced rate per meal. Or a person can receive the meals at the full price of $6.50.

For more information or to begin the process: Call the VIA office at 620-792-1833 or 620-792-1614. After all the information is gathered an appointment must be made for an in-home assessment.

Medicare Counseling: Trained Senior Health Insurance Counselors of Kansas (SHICK) volunteers can help you wade through the maze of Medicare. These volunteers can give you a non-biased looked at Part “D” comparisons as well as help you understand the initial sign-up and applying for premium assistance (if income-eligible). This is a free service.

AARP Tax Preparation: Trained volunteer tax preparers work with seniors and low-income individuals to help file their yearly income tax. This is a free service.