Opportunities From: United Way of Kaw Valley

Help families in our community by donating food and time to prepare Holiday Boxes. These boxes are distributed through Harvesters’ network of pantry partners, providing neighbors facing food insecurity with traditional holiday meal staples to help complete their holiday celebrations.

How This Project Works

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Purchase items or host a food drive to collect the ingredients needed for each Holiday Box. Each box should include:2 cans of green beans1 can of corn1 can of pumpkin1 can of sweet potatoes1 can of cream of mushroom soup1 box of cornbread or corn muffin mix1 box of stuffing mix1 box of instant mashed potatoes1 packet of gravy mixOnce supplies have been collected, pick up Harvesters-provided boxes, recipe cards, and labels from the Harvesters facility in Lawrence or the United Way of Kaw Valley office in Topeka.

Step 2: Get Packing

Using the designated Harvesters supplies, assemble and pack the Holiday Boxes. This activity can be organized as an assembly-line project for large groups or as a flexible, come-and-go opportunity where volunteers pack complete boxes individually.

Step 3: Deliver and Distribute

Deliver completed Holiday Boxes to the Harvesters facility, the United Way of Kaw Valley office in Topeka, or a partner agency. We are also happy to connect your group directly with a local agency in need of donations.If your group packs more boxes than you are able to transport, our team can assist with coordinating delivery to ensure they reach families who need them most.

This fun, hands-on volunteer project is a simple way to help families enjoy a holiday meal, support food security, and make a meaningful difference in our community. Let's get packing!

Help families in our community by donating food and time to prepare Healthy Family Meal Kits! These easy-to-make, nutritious meal kits are distributed through Harvesters’ network of pantries, providing neighbors facing food insecurity with the ingredients and a simple recipe card needed to prepare a quick, healthy family meal.

How This Project Works

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Purchase ingredients or host a food drive to collect the items needed for the Healthy Family Meal Kits. Click here to view our featured recipes.Pick up Harvesters-provided boxes, recipe cards, and labels from either the Harvesters facility in Lawrence or the United Way of Kaw Valley office in Topeka.

Step 2: Get Packing

Packing can be organized as an assembly-line activity or as a flexible, come-and-go opportunity where volunteers complete entire kits independentlyUsing the designated Harvesters supplies, assemble and pack the meal kits.

Step 3: Deliver and Distribute

If you assemble more meal kits than you can transport, our team is happy to help ensure they reach the communities where they are needed mostDeliver completed meal kits to the Harvesters facility, the United Way of Kaw Valley office in Topeka, or work with our team to connect directly with a local partner agency that can distribute the donations.

This fun, hands-on volunteer project is a simple way to nourish families, support food security, and make a meaningful impact in our community. Let's get packing!