Seasonal Flu Care Package
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It’s almost that time of year – seasonal flu time. (Can you hear the dread in my voice?) I plan ahead and take steps to make sure my family will stay as healthy as possible during flu season. In addition to taking care of my family, this year I’m making a seasonal flu care package to share with needy members of our community. In the past our family has made care packages to share with the needy and homeless in our community, but this year I decided to do it a little differently and put together a seasonal flu care package.
I’ve been volunteering with needy families since I was 23 years old. I’ve worked with street kids in Washington state, worked on a crisis hotline in Germany, taught literacy skills in a Texas border town, rocked seriously ill babies at a residential treatment facility in New Jersey, taught parent education to court-ordered parents in Arkansas and worked with needy families at a community resource center in Alabama. Currently I’m responsible for our church’s benevolence fund, which is used to assist people in our church and community that are in crisis. Our church is very small and on a very tight budget, so I’m always looking for ways to supplement our limited financial resources to help those people who come seeking assistance.
Seasonal Flu Care Package
This summer I’ve been working with an older gentleman (let’s call him Mr. C) who recently lost his wife. He doesn’t have any other family that can help him through his grief and financial difficulties. Our church is helping him with some financial aid, with financial counseling, with friendship, meals and rides to activities. He’s been on my heart the past 2 months that I’ve been working with him. I’ve taken him a couple of care packages the past 2 months, but, as a worrying mama, I still want to do more. I know that one of the sources of his financial difficulty comes from the expense of his medical care and prescriptions. As I’ve started preparing my family for flu season, I decided that I’d do what I can to help Mr. C prepare for flu season also with a care package for the flu.
I popped over to Walgreens to get a gift card so that Mr. C can get a flu shot. Did you know that you can get a flu shot at your local Walgreens? How easy is that? Transportation is often a challenge for Mr. C, but I know that he can easily get to Walgreens since it’s just around the corner. If you’d like to donate a gift card for a flu shot, you can check the Walgreens’ website for the cost in your area.
Not only will I rest better knowing that Mr. C can easily get his flu shot, but through the Walgreens’ Get A Shot, Give A Shot campaign, up to 3 million vaccines can be given to children that really need them. Walgreens has partnered with the United Nations Foundation and for every immunization, including a flu shot, you receive at Walgreens September 2nd through October 13th, a life-saving vaccine will be donated to a child in a developing country. Even though immunizations have so drastically improved health in the the US, 1 out of 5 children worldwide still lack access to lifesaving immunizations. What a win-win opportunity to help Mr. C and a child stay healthy at the same time.
While I was at Walgreens I used coupons and sales to pick up some additional items for Mr. C’s seasonal flu care package. Because I’m not familiar with Mr. C’s medical conditions, I chose to purchase basic items and not medication.
I gathered items for aches and pains.
Of course, I gathered tissues, lip balm and lotion. I added a pocket pack of tissues, in case Mr. C has to make a trip to the doctor’s office if he’s ill.
Since Mr. C is living on his own now, I added some simple food and drink items that he could eat if he’s ill. I also added our family’s must-have-during-illness covered cup with a straw. With Mr. C living on his own, this makes it easier for him to keep a drink by his bedside if he’s not feeling well.
I hope that by getting his flu shot this month, Mr. C will be healthy all Fall and Winter long, but since I’m a mom and worry all the time about everyone, I now know that Mr. C is as prepared this year as my seasonal flu care package can make him.
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I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
Hi Susan – What a kind thing to do! We’ve been fighting off the seasonal whatevers in our home this week and it’s always nice to receive some extra love, especially those who need it the most. Hugs, Holly
Holy cow Susan you have such a huge heart. It feels good to help people in need. I do what I can but nothing compared to you. Mr. C is lucky to have your help. Bless you sweet ladie. Darlene
Darlene, you know that what you do is just as appreciated (you’ve made my week with your sweet comment!)
This is amazing. I have never think about this before. What about adding a basket of fresh lemon beside. I like to drink it when I get flue.
Fresh lemons are a great idea, Sweet! Adding them to my care package list.