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University of Kansas Health System donates bags to Meals on Wheels program
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The Meals On Wheels of Barton County Board of Directors and employees from The University of Kansas Health Systems Great Bend Campus display the new insulated bags at the Senior Center in Great Bend. The Health System donated the bags in August. The bags help provide flexibility for delivery times, increasing opportunities for successful deliveries. (From left) Meals On Wheels Coordinator Monica Ravenstein, Volunteer Lead Greg Gibson, Meals On Wheels Board of Directors, Karen Redding, Randy Willis, Alice Walter, Rose Kelly, and UKHS Great Bend Campus Staff Regan Reif, Yomba Von Seggern, Jenice Williams, Rebecca Popp, and Josh Gant.

The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus joined Meals On Wheels of Barton County in a collaborative effort to continue delivering nutritious meals to the area’s homebound seniors.

Meals On Wheels Director Linn Hogg said the UKHS administration was very enthusiastic about this project.

“When I asked Regan Reif (University of Kansas Health System Strategic Marketing Manager) about donating insulated bags for the meals, her immediate answer was, ‘I think that is something we would love to do,’” she said. “That is why I love this community so much. There is such a feeling of neighbor helping neighbor.”

Hogg said the insulated bags are given to new Meals On Wheels clients to use if they are going to be away from home for a short time during their meal delivery. The insulated bags ensure the meal stays hot and safe until the client returns home.

Meals On Wheels of Barton County program is a collaborative effort between Barton Community College’s Volunteers In Action of Central KS, Meals On Wheels Board of Directors, ElderCare, Inc., and the Great Bend Senior Center. Barton Community College sponsors the Volunteers in Action of Central KS program by providing office space, equipment, IT assistance, fiscal oversight, and other needs.

Over 100 people utilize the program Monday through Friday, and 95 volunteers help bring meals to the homebound seniors, ensuring they receive a nutritious meal while being safe and doing well.

Hogg said that volunteers are always needed for the program.

“It takes no more than one hour out of your day, but it gives you such a great feeling,” she said.

For more information, call (620) 792-1614.