Category «Health»

Tijeritas for Kids (Scissors for Kids)

The “Tijeritas for Kids” (Scissors for Kids) service project arises from the need to provide free haircuts to children with limited economic resources in the town of Guánica monthly basis. Our goal is to impact the educational system of Guánica with free haircuts aimed at school-age students, in which good hygiene and sanitation practices are promoted to provide personal care and health service. The fusion of both concepts creates in the student a level of self-esteem and confidence based on their appearance. Due to the success of this service project in the town of Guánica, we will soon include elderly and disabled people from our community.

Christmas Stockings for Veterans

Christmas stockings were prepared for veterans that were hospitalized at the local KC VA Medical Center as well as those transitioning from homelessness to tiny homes through the Veterans Community Project. Each stocking included a gift tag identifying Altrusa and expressing appreciation for service given to our country. Stockings included word search books, pens, notepads, personal hygiene items, duct tape, socks and stocking hats, as well as other assorted items lovingly packed by Altrusans.

Socktober Collection in Conjunction with ILHS InterAct Club

Meredith Altrusa helped in the collection of socks during the month of October in honor of Make A Difference Day. A variety of socks for all ages were donated to the Community focused InterAct Club at Inter-Lakes High School, who in turn, provide to those in need. This is both a service project in response to a need in the Lakes Region, but also working to assist another Community Club comprised of our own local high schoolers…a joint effort within Meredith.

File of Life Packet for seniors who require emergency assistance in their home

Help Save Your Life with the File of Life!
Altrusa International of Meredith, N.H., Inc. is honored to be able to present the File of Life service project to Lakes Region seniors or single member households.
500 File of Life Packets were purchased for assembly and distribution via local libraries, town offices, fire and police departments, the Meredith Community Center, Altrusa monthly Community Dinners, the local Visiting Nurses Association, Interlakes Community Caregivers, local family medicine and family healthcare offices.
Eligible residents who may require emergency assistance in their home are encouraged to take one of the free magnetized packets where they can document a current record of personal medical needs and directives, up-to-date medications, drug contradictions, emergency contact, and a brief medical history.
There’s also a window sticker to alert first responders to the location of the packet in the home…most popular, being the kitchen refrigerator. There is room for a small photo in the front pocket to help with identification during an emergency. Residents are encouraged to ask their medical advisor for assistance in completing the insert if needed.
Medical personnel and first responders can access the File of Life information upon their arrival, enabling them to quickly assess the treatment and transport to the appropriate medical facility if necessary. Our local Altrusa club contact information is also provided should residents require more than one insert for their home.

Bus and Park It Packs

Canadians have been encouraged to spend time in the fresh air and nature during this pandemic, because it is so important for our mental and emotional well-being. To that end, Altrusa International of Nanaimo members assembled 530 “Bus & Park It” packs, each containing 10 transit tickets, 2 face masks, hand sanitizer, a transit bus schedule, a map of Nanaimo’s parks and recreation areas, and instructions on Covid 19 protocol. The packs were then delivered to 16 community service agencies who helped distribute them throughout the city. These Bus & Park It packs enabled riders of all ages and abilities to safely reach playgrounds, beaches, sporting facilities and viewpoints. Altrusa targeted vulnerable citizens who fell into the following six categories: mental illness, poverty, Indigenous, homeless, disabilities or supportive living. The response to this project exceeded our expectations!

Happy Feet

Happy Feet Service Project

Thirteen years ago, our club took action to create our “HAPPY FEET PROGRAM”. We provide shoes, boots, and socks to the needy children of Branch County. The program covers children ages 1-19 and families are not screened for financial need.

We promote health and wellness for those we serve by promoting healthy feet now and in the future, enhancing their learning when they are not experiencing painful or cold feet, and promoting their attendance because they have appropriate footwear during the winter months. Also, children can be healthier throughout the school year and the chances of being bullied in school are reduced.

This is an “all-volunteer” program carried out by an Altrusa Committee. A local businessman provides space for our inventory and his staff assists us with the distribution of orders. We provide close to 500 pairs of footwear each year. Through the years we have provided over 5000 pairs of footwear at a cost of just under $80,000.

We have developed brochures for use by the public and by social workers or those placing orders. We carry out an annual evaluation of this program.

We have also partnered with many in our community to receive grants, private donations, and discounts. We utilize local television and newspapers as well as our club and district newsletters to promote our program. We have received local, district and International awards.

This is a rewarding program for our club. With this program children do not attend school in tattered and torn footwear. They wear shoes that fit. Because of our commitment, children have “Happy Feet.” Our club is making a difference!

Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank

Diapers and menstrual supplies, donated by businesses, clubs, and individuals, are packaged and distributed free of charge to community members in need. Monthly “Diaper Drive-ins” —all free—occur at the Salvation Army, or other locations publicized in advance. The project has grown exponentially, moved beyond our local community to become a regional entity, and has passed the 1 million-diaper mark. Recipients range from high school-age mothers to wives of deployed servicemen.

“Uplifting Smile”

We found out that one of the youth at Forward Paths had been battered & had her car damaged by her now ex-boyfriend. She needed a root canal, crown work & her car fixed, along with the support all battered women need. Many of her needs were met through Forward Paths, an organization we continue to support whenever we can because they help youth who are homeless. Anonymous donations from members helped this youth fix her car. She paid for the root canal on her own from money she had saved & we were able to help her by taking a $500 check directly to the dentist on the day of the crown work. One of our members took her to lunch & she later sent her a picture of herself smiling= AMAZING!

Make a Difference Day: In Support of First Responders

In support of the U.N. “Make A Difference Day” on Saturday, October 24th, 2020, we had a catered dinner by our usual lunch caterer (Debbie), deliver an amazing meal to about 20 health care workers of the night shift of LifeStream, in support of First Responders. LifeStream is a behavioral health and social services organization in our community, and one of our members works there and is very passionate about how hard the employees have been working during this pandemic year & how they needed our support.

Days for Girls (Rockford South)

Since Days for Girls has been adopted the Grand Rapids club has embrassed this endeavour. We have volunteered with Days for Girls every chance we get and that was several times a month. We were meeting in the driveway of members to pin and cut fabric, we had members take home sewing projects as homework and we had 110 kits available when the call from Lebenon came that they needed help after the bombing. We again rallied our 15 members and friends and went to work with more cutting and sewing this fall at HOME because the weather changed and we could not work outside. We received notice in November that sanity kits were needed in Cuba, unfortunately we all our sewing and kits were not assembled and we were not able to participate, but when the call comes again we will be ready. Currently working on sewing and making at least 50 more kits. Each kit includes a sanitary pad (with 3 washable inserts), 4 washclothes, 4 underwear, and several small soaps.