This year’s MLK Day of Service will look different as we strive to keep everyone healthy and safe during the pandemic. But there are still many ways you can serve and honor Dr. King’s legacy. While Wichita Habitat will not host the annual indoor construction event with 200 volunteers, we’d like to offer some ways you can help others in our community. We invite you to volunteer on our construction site or at ReStore at any time and you can register at this link.
There also are many agencies that provide much-needed assistance to the hungry, children and the sick and they would love your assistance! Here are a few:
Project Teacher
A lot of families in our community struggle to pay rent, utilities and afford food, making the purchase of school supplies out of reach. That’s why Project Teacher collects and distributes school supplies throughout the year so all students have the tools they need to succeed. “This is a pretty crucial time and supplies are definitely needed,” said Terry Johnson, pastor at GracePoint Church. Project Teacher is an outreach program of Gracepoint Church.
Critical items you can purchase and donate:
- Pencils
- Black dry erase markers (Any color is fine, but this is a color they have the least of right now).
- Pink erasers
- Markers
- Notebook paper
- Boxed tissue
Donations can be dropped off at GracePoint Church (9035 W. Central) Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon, or by appointment at Project Teacher (1435 N. Waco) throughout the week. Questions? Please email Terry at [email protected].
Ronald McDonald House
The goal of the Ronald McDonald House is to keep families with sick children close to each other and the care and resources they need. Check out their Wish List of items and then shop for some of the items they need to help make families’ lives a little bit easier. Some needed items include:
- Individually wrapped snacks
- Gift cards to local restaurants
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
Click here for a complete Wish List. You can drop off your donations between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House, 551 N Hillside Suite 100.
United Methodist Open Door
United Methodist Open Door has a Community Food Ministry that provides people with nutritionally balanced, emergency food assistance. Because of the pandemic, they are serving an increased number of people. Next time you’re at the grocery store or ordering online you can add some food items to donate! Right now Open Door has a great need for
- Canned tuna
- Canned vegetables
- You can click here for a complete list.
Drop off donations at Open Door’s Food Distribution Center, 2130 E. 21st St. N., Monday-Friday, from 9–11:45 a.m.and 1-3:45 p.m.
Open Door also a clothing ministry. Donated clothing can be taken to the Klothes Kloset, 402 E 2nd St. They accept women’s, men’s, children’s and infant clothing for distribution, free of charge, to those in need. Donations accepted Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon.
Kansas Food Bank
The Kansas Food Bank also is serving more people now and in need of community support. They suggest a virtual Food Drive and you can learn more at this link.
ICT Street Team
Gloves, hats and fleece blankets are the top items needed by the ICT Street Team, is an initiative by NGO, Inc. that provides primary care to the homeless in Wichita using a mobile medical model to deliver care. Mandy Griffin, office manager and clinical care coordinator, said they serve both men and women who live on the streets 24/7 and the layers of hats and gloves help prevent frostbite. Griffin said Walmart sells an inexpensive fleece blanket for $2.50 that dries quickly and rolls up.
Donations can be dropped off at Professional Pharmacy, 744 N. Waco., Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.