Coffey Health System

In the past 12 years, Friends of Coffey Health System has collected care package items for American soldiers and canine units overseas. While the COVID pandemic has forced changes in the program—the volunteers have found a way to keep it going.

“For the second year we will focus on our support for the US Wardogs in New Jersey,” said coordinator Linda Booth. “This is an organization we have partnered with for several years to send care packages to overseas dog teams. Currently about 2,700 canine teams are serving to detect danger and protect people. 100 percent of donations goes to fulfilling the wish list of the handlers and dogs.”

To kick-start the effort, Coffey Health System employees dedicated “Jeanerosity Friday,” raising $574. Employees paid (at least) one dollar for the privilege of wearing jeans to work.

The organization hopes to relaunch the care package collection program next year.

“We have proudly mailed 1,385 flat-rate boxes to soldiers around the globe,” Booth said. “We hope to be able to collect items next fall to send to troops and we appreciate the tremendous community support that we’ve received over the years.”

Individuals and organizations are welcome to join our Support the Troops project. While COVID restrictions prohibit access to the hospital gift shop, two easy options are available for monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off at First National Bank in Burlington or mailed to Friends of Coffey Health System, 801 North 4th ST, Burlington, KS, 66839 can be made by October 30. 

Friends of CHS will gladly collect cards and letters from area students to connect the soldiers with those who care for them and appreciate their sacrifice. Educators are encouraged to call Linda Booth at (620) 364-8015 or the Coffey County Hospital Gift Shop at (620) 364-2121 Ext. 4267.

 

 

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Friends of Coffey Health System: Generosity in Action

Friends of Coffey Health System is a valuable part of the CHS family. These trusted volunteers help our patients, staff, and community in countless ways.

The flagship of the auxiliary program is the Coffey County Hospital Gift Shop, which is managed and staffed entirely by volunteers. Not only does the gift shop provide a valuable service to the hospital’s patients, visitors, and staff, but all proceeds are then given back to the community through hospital improvements and local scholarships.

Reaching beyond our walls, the Auxiliary also invests in the future by awarding scholarships to local students. Our volunteers also help out in a variety of capacities throughout the hospital, such as manning the information desk, assisting with outpatient clinic admissions, landscaping, and labeling items for the materials management department.

When information packets need to be compiled or extra help is needed to host events, our volunteers are always eager to help out. Two volunteers have even knitted more than 700 caps for the hospital’s newborns. A loyal group of volunteers also reach out to brighten the day for long-term care residents by playing games, reading aloud, or simply visiting.

We’re grateful to have several new volunteers join us, and look forward to more exciting new projects in the future.

If you have a few hours to spare and would enjoy a rewarding volunteer opportunity, we'd love to have you join our team. Stop by the hospital gift shop to fill out an application or do so online by clicking here.