Support making handmade Valentine's for Meal on Wheels!

Valentine card drive funding pays for supplies, venues, travel, and 3,600 handmade cards

29 donors

$2,433 raised of 3K

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Support making handmade Valentine's for Meal on Wheels!

Kim Brook is organizing this fundraiser.

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Who am I?

My name is Kim Brook and I am a Teaching Artist based in Lawrence, KS. While I primarily make ceramics, I also work with wood, fibers, metal, and paper. I teach art in rural KS communities, for Lawrence Arts Center youth education, and ceramic/cooking workshops. In addition, I am a facilitator for Mid-America Arts Alliance for their professional program, Artist Inc.. My passion project is Cards on Wheels for which I am the lead artist and organizer.

What is "Cards on Wheels"?

Cards on Wheels is a Valentine's Day Card-Making initiative to benefit Meals on Wheels. Volunteers gather at a variety of card making events and make Valentine's Day cards for Meals on Wheels recipients. All materials and instruction are supplied. On the Meals on Wheels delivery day closest/before February 14th recipients are given one of the handmade cards. In January/February 2025 volunteers made 1,700 cards. That was enough cards for all Meals on Wheels recipients in Douglas County, KS. This year, Topeka (Shawnee County) and Wichita Meals on Wheels have been added to receive cards.

The story behind the project.

My mother worked as an aide in a nursing home during my formative years. While visiting my mother and the residents, I often witnessed residents battling loneliness or wanting to be in "their own home". As my parents aged, I am grateful that circumstances allowed them to stay in their home with family nearby.

My mother passed away in 2018. In 2019, drawing inspiration from memories of my mother and her nursing home experiences, I created around 70 Valentine's Day card for the local Senior Center. It was only me, in my basement studio , using scraps leftover from projects. Since then the project has grown to support Meals on Wheels. Along with many more volunteers this year, we aim to donate 3,600 cards to Meals on Wheels.

Who can volunteer?

Everyone! This is an all ages and any skill level project. Volunteers have ranged from 4-74 years old.

Where are the project events located?

Public Libraries, Art Emergency Arts Studios, Kay's Garden at the Topeka Zoo, Harvester Arts, Wichita, and more. Some private events are in people's homes. Public project events are held in accessible and safe spaces. Private home events are safe spaces, but may have stairs. This year, volunteers and I will make Valentine's Day cards for Douglas County, Topeka, and Wichita (all in Kansas). In addition, I will be facilitating at least 15 events.

Why we need your financial help:

In the past, supplies have been donated from volunteers and a few local businesses, but the outreach goal has outgrown that method and past supplies are minimal. The projected number of cards we aim to make is 3,600 (distribution breakdown...Douglas County and Lawrence Senior Center =1,770 cards, Shawnee County =1,400 cards, Wichita=variable number, up to 820 cards).

Furthermore, though the volunteers give the most valuable asset of time, there are additional needs to make this a viable project. Including, but not limited to: card making materials, food and beverages, venues , various artist instruction, transportation, and event support.

Following is the 2026 proposed budget:

Cards and Envelopes- $ 600.

Card decorating materials (markers, stamps, stamp pads, stickers, colorful cardstock, shiny embellishments, glue sticks, pens, paper punches, ribbons, die cuts, etc.)- $ 1,200.

Misc. office supplies-rubber bands, plastic bins for storage and delivery, name tags, sponsor sticker labels- $ 25.

Mileage based on 2026 government rate for charity= $ .14 a mile (this is much lower than business mileage)

Lawrence to and from Wichita= $45.

Lawrence to and from Topeka $ 8.40 x 4= $ 34.00 (rounded up)

Realistic add on to the fuel my car actually uses and misc. fuel costs= $ 100.

Food and Beverages for events= $ 600.

Venue Costs=$ 4,400.

Artist Fees (120 hours for lead artist, promoting, and printmaking demo artist)= $ 2,800.

Subtotal Expenses=$ 9,804.00

In Kind Donations=

Kay McFarland Trust=$ 4,000

City of Lawrence- $400.00

Kim Brook, Lead Artist =$ 1,404.

Volunteer hours, pending =$ 1, 000.

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In Kind Total=$ 6,804.

Subtotal Expenses $ 9, 804.00

In Kind Donations - 6,804.00

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Total Remaining Expenses $ 3,000.00

Project Impact:

Cards on Wheels leads to increased awareness for the Meals on Wheels program.

Furthermore, according to Meals on Wheels more [Meals on Wheels] benefits are*:

Health & Nutrition:
Increases food security and improves diet quality.
Reduces or slows declines in nutritional risk.
Aids in recovery after hospital stays and reduces hospitalizations.
Independence & Cost Savings:
Helps seniors live independently and age in place.
Reduces reliance on costly health care services and nursing homes.
Provides substantial savings for individuals and taxpayers.
Social Connection & Safety:
Combats loneliness and social isolation, a major threat to senior health.
Fosters social bonds through driver-client interactions.
Increases home safety and reduces falls through regular visits.
Overall Well-being:
Improves physical health, mental well-being, and feelings of security.
Provides a sense of care and connection, making seniors feel "alive".
Broader Community Impact:
Economic Benefits: Supports local economies through increased purchases, including dairy products, as noted by.
Volunteer Engagement: Offers validation and purpose to drivers and volunteers.
In essence, Meals on Wheels is a comprehensive, evidence-based program that delivers vital nutrition, social connection, and safety, making it a powerful tool for supporting healthy aging in communities.
An Evidence-Based Solution to Senior Hunger and Isolation
Sep 29, 2023 — Reduced health care costs attributed to reduced hospital and nursing home spending. Increased food security.