The holidays should be a time for joy, celebration, family and fun, but for some, the holidays can be a very stressful time of the year. Although everyone dreams of giving their children a magical morning filled with toys and games from Santa and a family meal fit for a king, those dream can be financially straining. PHS wants to help families in need locate the resources they need to help those dream become a reality this holiday season. PHS Medical Social Worker, Monica Handlos has compiled a list of local resources that are available to help provide toys and holiday meals for families in need.
***If this list doesn’t cover your area please call United Way First Call for Help at 651-291-0211 or 1-800-543-7709 and ask them for agencies that are helping with Holiday Assistance. They will ask for your zip code and give you a list of local agencies that might be able to help you out.
Toy Programs:
Salvation Army
To register for Toy Shop you can do so online here or call 651.746.3595 Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm. Registration for The Salvation Army’s 2011 Toy Shop will be open until December 8.
Toy Shop is a collaboration of churches and agencies who work together to register families for Christmas resources. When you complete the form, your information will be assigned and given to an agency that can serve you. They will be responsible for instructing you on how to pick up toys.
In order to complete the registration, you must meet all of the following guidelines:
You must live in the 10 county metro area of the Twin Cities (Minnesota).
You must have a child or children up to age 14.
You must have an active email address (for online registration).
You must have a home address and receive mail there.
You have not registered for Christmas assistance anywhere else.
You must show proof of address and identification for every child when you pick up your toys.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a United States Marine Corp Reserve non-profit organization. Toys for Tots collects new toys for children whose parents cannot afford Christmas gifts. If you need to register to receive toys for your children the process is simple.
In order to request toys you will have to go online and hit the request toys tab. Find an agency close to you and contact them. They will submit a request to Toys for Tots for your toys.
For those of you looking to donate toys this year keep in mind that the PHS building is a drop off site. You can send toys with drivers or clinicians in the home or feel free to bring donations into the office for donation through Wednesday, December 12th.
Neighbors, Inc. Holiday Program
To qualify you must live in Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, South St Paul, Sunfish Lake or West St Paul.
Apply in person at 222 Grand Avenue South, South St Paul, MN 55075. To learn more, call the Information Hotline 651.306.2156 (for Spanish call 651.306.2159). Registration open through mid December.
Community Emergency Assistance Program, Inc. (CEAP)
CEAP’s Holiday Program is open to residents of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park or East Champlin who have children in the household aged 18 or younger.
Call for an appointment to register. Leave a message on the Holiday Line at 763.450.3670.
St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP)
Open to St. Louis Park residents.
Register in person Monday-Thursday 1:00pm-2:00pm and Tuesday 6:00-7:00pm. If there are questions about registration, please call 952.925.4899. Registration for the Holiday Toy Program ends December 13th.
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, Inc. (VEAP)
Open to residents of Bloomington, Edina, Richfield and part of south Minneapolis (south of 50th Street, west of Cedar Avenue).
Register by phone at 952.888.9616.
Friends in Need Food Shelf
Friends in Need Food Shelf is providing toy assistance for Christmas. This program is open to residents of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, and Grey Cloud Island.
Please call on Tuesday for an appointment from 9:00am-6:00pm: 651.458.0730. You will need to bring your picture ID with a current bill for proof of address.
St. Paul Area Association of Realtors (SPAAR)
Toys for Joy Christmas Program provides gifts for low-income families in Anoka County.
Pick up application in November at your local food shelf, WIC/NAP site, Anoka county Income Maintenance, or at home helping agencies at the Anoka County Human Services Center in Blaine.
CAP Agency
Serves Scott and Carver Counties.
Call 952.496.2125 Monday- Friday 8:00am-5:00pm to set up an appointment with an outreach coordinator for application. Must have: ID, proof of address, children’s ages, and family size.
Christmas Anonymous
Serves residents of Olmsted County with children under 18 years old. One Saturday a year before Christmas toys are set up as a shopping experience for eligible families.
You must currently participate in WIC, CAP or channel 1 food shelf. Call 507.285.3940. Leave a message for registration information. Machine checked weekly.
Church of St. Stephen
Serves low income families in Anoka County.
Call 763.712.7441 for more information Monday-Thursday 8:30am- 8:00pm and Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Hospitality House Youth Development
Christmas with dignity serves the city of Minneapolis and suburban Minneapolis.
Call 763.712.7441 Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm for pre-registration and more information. Registrant must have current picture ID, and utility bill with address.
This sale gives a hand up to families in need by providing an opportunity to buy new gifts at a fraction of the original cost.
Neighbors, Inc.
Serves families in Inver Grove Heights, South and West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake and Lilydale.
Call 651.455.1508 Monday-Friday 8:15am-4:30pm for registration and more information. Registrant must have current picture ID, utility bill with address, proof of family size and children’s ages.
Designed to help people who are financially unable to provide holiday gifts for their immediate family.
People Responding in Social Ministry (PRISM)
Serves families low income families.
Call 763.529.1350 to make an appointment. Registrant must have proof of address and ID cards for children.
Parents may come and choose holiday presents for each of their children approximately two weeks before the holidays. Holiday wrapping paper and other supplies may also be available.
Resource West
Serves families in Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Shorewood and Woodland.
Call 952.988.5350 Monday- Friday from 9:00am-4:30pm to see if you’re eligible and register.
Families pick out one large items, 2 small items and stocking stuffers for each child.
We’re coming up on an especially needy time of year for many families, yet many metro Minnesota area organizations, churches, and food shelves ensure that every family can give thanks over a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
PHS Medical Social Worker, Monica Handlos has compiled a larger list than ever before. Look through the options below, and if you have further questions or our resources don’t cover your area, Monica recommends contacting the United Way First Call for Help at 651-291-0211. Ask them for agencies or food shelves that are helping with Thanksgiving Meals or Baskets. They will ask for your zip code and give you a list of local agencies that might be able to help you out.
Holiday Meals:
Kierans Irish Pub
612.339.4499
601 North 1st Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free Thanksgiving meal call for reservation. Free clothing closet also available on Thanksgiving day.
Cherokee Tavern
886 Smith Ave S, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Free Thanksgiving meal served. Meals available for pick-up as well.
For tickets please call Neighbors, Inc 651.455.1508 before November 16th.
Bierstube
651.271.4961
2670 E County Rd E, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or 7121 10th St Oakdale, MN 55128.
Free Thanksgiving meal provided to anyone in need.
Pepitos Mexican Restaurant
612.827.2928
4820 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Free Thanksgiving meal provided beginning at 10am- 3pm.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
952.935.1753
715 Minnetonka Mills Rd, Hopkins, MN 55343
Free Thanksgiving meal beginning at 1pm in Gethsemane Lutheran Fellowship Hall. Please make a reservation by November 23rd.
Faith Lutheran Church of Coon Rapids
763.354.7826
11115 Hanson Blvd, NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Free Thanksgiving Meal. Serves Anoka County. Please call church for details.
Marie Sandvik Center
763.354.7826
1112 E Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404
Free Thanksgiving Meal. Serves city of Minneapolis. Call for more details.
Sharing and Caring Hands
612.338.4640
525 N 7th St. Minneapolis, MN 55405
Free Thanksgiving Meal 10 am-12 pm. Serves Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington Counties. Call for more details.
Union Gospel Mission
612.292.1721
435 University Ave E. St. Paul, MN 55103
Free Thanksgiving Meal. Serves low income families, no reservations needed. Call for more details.
Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels (no affiliation with Meals on Wheels)
651.699.5404
They deliver Thanksgiving meals to families living within 45 miles of St. Paul. Call between 8:30-4pm to set up a delivery. They will need your address, zip code, and number of people who will be eating on Thanksgiving. Meals will be delivered between 8-11am on Thanksgiving and someone needs to be at home in order to sign for the delivery. The meal includes a roasted turkey and dressing (already cooked) along with raw potatoes, canned vegetables, canned cranberries, rolls, butter, milk, and pie for dessert.
Food Baskets:
Christian Cupboard
651.738.2338
7380 Afton Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Need to register in person on before November 15. Bring id and proof of address such as a current utility bill. Children will also need a proof of ID such as a medical or social security card.
Area served includes, Woodbury, Maplewood south of I-94, Landfall, Oakdale.
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP)
952.888.9616
Food certificate or bag of groceries for those in need.
Bring photo ID, proof of address such as a current utility bill. Children will also need a proof of ID such as a medical or social security card.
Area served includes, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, and South Minneapolis.
North Suburban Emergency Assistance Response (NEAR)
763.533.2836
4803 Welcome Ave N, Crystal, MN 55429
Thanksgiving Baskets available to NEAR clients. To register for the NEAR program call Tuesday or Thursday after 9 am and speak with Phyllis.
Service area: New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale between 42nd Ave N and 62nd Ave N.
PHS understands that healthcare questions don’t always arise Monday through Friday from 8-5. This is why we have on-call clinicians available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We always want families and caregivers to feel supported. Calling in for troubleshooting help with a piece of equipment can sometimes sound a little like this: “you know that little blue thingy mabobber hanging off the tube”, or “the knobby deal on the front”, or “the alarm sounds kind of like eeeeee, oooooo, eeeeeee, ooooo”… have you ever been in this situation? I’m going to guess that you likely have.
In addition to being able to talk with a clinician at any time- day or night- PHS also creates how-to videos for common questions or troubleshooting problems. These videos help solve some of those over the phone communication difficulties, but they also provide a visual for those who English is not their primary language or people who just prefer to watch a video rather than read or hear directions.
Online and Searchable
Last week we launched our new Multimedia Gallery on the PHS website where you can find all kinds of videos, slideshows and podcasts. The videos are sorted by categories to help families locate the material they are looking for. The subcategories include:
Do you have any ideas for troubleshooting or how-to videos that would be useful for your family? We’d love to hear from you and help you and your child thrive at home! Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page or on the comments section below.
Sweet Martha’s cookies. All-you-can-drink milk. Everything to eat on a stick. Farm animals of all ages, shapes and sizes. Who doesn’t love the fair?
The great Minnesota get-together, the Minnesota State Fair, runs August 23 – September 3 this year. Planning to spend a day there can be daunting for any family, especially with a medically-fragile child who has special needs.
Pediatric Home Service wants to ensure your day at the fair goes as smoothly as possible. So we’ve compiled a list of helpful things to know for a family with a medically-fragile child. We want this to be a day you’ll treasure. To focus on the fun of the day, do as much as you can before you get in the gates with these preparation tips:
1. Study up on accessibility
The Fair has parking, drop-off and pick-up and other arrangements for visitors with special needs. The Fair’s accessibility guide is here, where you’ll find information on:
Wheelchairs to rent
Wheelchair recharging stations
Midway and Kidway ride guidance
Special entrances and seating for entertainment
ASL interpreter lineup
2. Know where to find the first aid buildings
The Fair has two medical aid stations to provide first aid. For serious illness of injuries call the police at 651-642-2280.
Medical Aid West: 8a.m. to 12:30a.m. 1834 Dan Patch Ave., across from Heritage Square
Medical Aid East: 8a.m. to 9p.m. 1424 Cosgrove St., north side of the 4-H Building
3. Get an ID bracelet
Make your first stop (even before a pronto pup!) one of these locations for a free ID Bracelet:
Your child’s bracelet will have his or her name, pertinent medical information and your contact info for the day. The information is stored inside the bracelet on the child’s arm and can only be accessed by cutting bracelet off arm, so you don’t have to worry about your child tampering with it.
4. Learn from other parents
The Education building is full of freebies from coloring pages to stickers and school supplies—plus a reusable bag to stash it all in.
This brave mom took her four kids to the MN State Fair and lived to blog about it. For instance, she found the best unisex/handicapped accessible restroom is in Eco Experience.Read all her tips.
5. Take photos and share the stories of your day with PHS
What’s your can’t miss stop at the MN State Fair? What works for you and your family? We’d love to see pictures from your fun day out and about. Share your pictures on the PHS facebook wall and tell us your favorite part of the day.
Do you have tips, based on your fair visits and other travels? Any places that have been especially accommodating?
Wednesday June 20- Saturday June 23 were dedicated to all things SMA. The Twin Cities were lucky to be the hosts of the 2012 National Spinal Muscular Atrophy Conference. With over 1,100 attendees the conference was a great success and was jam packed with fun and learning, PHS was excited to be there every step of the way.
PHS Respiratory Therapist, Carrie, shows conference attendee's an electronic percussor
There were many sessions, events and activities keeping attended busy over the 4 day conference, including:
40 Vendors, a record number for the conference. PHS was happy to participate as a vendor discussing services, technology, equipment and cares for SMA patients.
The first ever SMA Family and Research Dance Party! (The kids sure were exhausted the next day)
38 workshop sessions for SMA families and professionals.
The Meet-N-Greet where families connected with one another at the very start of the conference.
A Family Fun Fest with over 30 carnival games for all of the children.
Over 200 SMA Researchers who attended the 16th Annual SMA Research Meeting, joined in the Researcher Relay Race where SMA Researchers raced in manual wheelchairs with some of the children.
The Children’s Program, which allowed parents to attend workshop session and where over 250 children enjoyed activities, movies, games and craft projects.
A Researcher Q and A session for parents to hear about the most up to date research news.
Believe it or not, the weekend was not only about fun. There was a lot of learning that took place as well. We recently received the link to all of the presentations that have been posted online thus far from the conference. So, if you weren’t able to attend, or if there was one workshop you couldn’t make it to, now is your chance to watch what you missed. Click here to be taken to the Families of SMA website where PDFs, PowerPoint presentations and videos of the sessions have been posted.
PHS understands what a whirlwind life becomes when preparing to leave the hospital with a medically-fragile child. We met with a few of our experts, PHS Medical Director, Dr. Roy Maynard and PHS family mom and Infusion nurse, Jill Wall, RN, BSN, CRNI as well as included input from the entire clinical team to compile a list of tips for families to consider when getting ready to leave the hospital. Once the process is in place for a patient to leave the hospital and they are stable and ready to go, things can move rather quickly. The tips below will help get you organized and ensure you have necessary information from the hospital staff before you leave, ensuring you won’t have to make extra phone calls to track down information later.
What to consider before leaving the hospital:
All contact info on one piece of paper. Ask the hospital for one single piece of paper that has the contact information for your primary care doctor and all the different specialists who will be following your child after discharge, and when to call them. The hospital may give you individual cards, but a single sheet with all relevant contact information is much handier.
Interview to find good a good fit. Interview both a DME company and nursing agency before making selections. Find a company you feel comfortable working with. If you know your child is chronically ill and will need long-term nursing care, be sure to ask the agency if they will stay with you over the long term.
Train family/friends that will care for the child. Encourage family members and friends to go through hospital training to provide suitable backup when needed. Better yet, identify KEY people who will be in the home consistently staying up-to-date on the care your child needs and how to administer each care.
Organize vaccinations. Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date before going home and ask for a copy of the schedule to keep in your personal records.
Learn about your coverage. Learn to work within insurance limits or find other payment options. At-home insurance coverage will be different than in the hospital and there will likely be extra expenses not covered by insurance. Contact your insurance provider before discharge for specifics about in-home care for your plan.
Learn as much as you can while in hospital. Build your confidence by spending as much time as possible, including overnights, with “care by parent” under hospital staff guidance at the hospital.
Get as much sleep as possible the night before discharge. Although we mention spending overnights at the hospital in the point above, try to go home early the night before discharge and get a FULL, restful night’s sleep. Your child is safe in the hospital for one night and you will need and appreciate that uninterrupted night after bringing your child home.
Adjust medication schedules to home schedule. If the doctor has not suggested it already, ask if medication/feeding schedules can be safely rearranged to simplify the workload at home (for example, could an infant on electrolyte supplementation go from 4x/day to 3x/day or 2x/day?). While still in the hospital ask to adjust the schedules to the way it will be done at home at least one week before discharge. This will give you and your child time to acclimate.
Have your home set up prior to discharge. PHS helps families with high-tech patients sort through equipment and supplies so that you don’t come home to boxes full of unfamiliar products.
And lastly, never feel alone. PHS and the hospital staff are always there to help you through the process of transitioning to home. You can see a full list of tips like the ones above here, where we cover tips for you after you’ve arrived at home, as well as tips to reduce stress and strain on you, and your family. Do you have any other tips or thoughts that you’d like to add to the list? We know the families who have already been through the process are the real experts and we’d love to hear from you!
The holidays should be a time for joy, celebration, family and fun, but for some, the holidays can be a very stressful time of the year. Although everyone dreams of giving their children a magical morning filled with toys and games from Santa and a family meal fit for a king, those dream can be financially straining. PHS wants to help families in need locate the resources they need to help those dream become a reality this holiday season. PHS Medical Social Worker, Monica Handlos has compiled a list of local resources that are available to help provide toys and holiday meals for families in need.
Please pass this information on to anyone you know that could use an extra hand this season.
***If this list doesn’t cover your area please call United Way First Call for Help at 651-291-0211 or 1-800-543-7709 and ask them for agencies that are helping with Holiday Assistance. They will ask for your zip code and give you a list of local agencies that might be able to help you out.
General Programs:
Emergency Foodshelf Network, Inc. (EFN)
The Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) provides free holiday meal baskets for winter holidays to families facing hunger. The program provides holiday-specific food packages to Twin Cities residents living below the federal poverty guidelines, and each package provides enough food to feed a family of at least eight people.
Register online here. or call (763) 450-3860 with questions.
Service Area: Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott and Washington Counties.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has two different programs for families:
To register for Toy Shop you can do so online here or call 651-746-3595 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. Registration for The Salvation Army’s 2011 Toy Shop will be open until December 8.
Toy Shop is a collaboration of churches and agencies who work together to register families for Christmas resources. When you complete the form, your information will be assigned and given to an agency that can serve you. They will be responsible for instructing you on how to pick up toys.
In order to complete the registration, you must meet all of the following guidelines:
You must live in the 10 county metro area of the Twin Cities (Minnesota).
You must have a child or children up to age 14.
You must have an active email address (for online registration).
You must have a home address and receive mail there.
You have not registered for Christmas assistance anywhere else.
You must show proof of address and identification for every child when you pick up your toys.
Holiday Food Baskets is another option for families. In order to register for a food basket you can contact your local Salvation Army Social Service Office. In order to find the phone number for your area please go to http://www.thesalarmy.org/loc/ssoffices.htm
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a United States Marine Corp Reserve non-profit organization. Toys for Tots collects new toys for children whose parents cannot afford Christmas gifts. If you need to register to receive toys for your children the process is simple.
In order to request toys you will have to go online and hit the request toys tab. Find an agency close to you and contact them. They will submit a request to Toys for Tots for your toys.
For those of you looking to donate toys this year keep in mind that the PHS building is a drop off site. You can send toys with drivers or clinicians in the home to bring to the office for donation through December 17th.
Additional Meal Resources:
Dakota County
Hastings Family Service-School District #200- for information call (651) 437-7134. Registration is open until December 22, 2011.
Neighbors, Inc. Holiday Program- To qualify you must live in Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, South St Paul, Sunfish Lake or West St Paul. Apply in person at 222 Grand Avenue South, South St Paul, MN 55075. To learn more, call the Information Hotline 651-306-2156 (for Spanish call 651-306-2159). Registration open through December 15, 2011.
360 Communities- open to residents of Dakota and Scott counties. For more information visit their website or call (952) 985-5300
Hennepin County
Community Emergency Assistance Program, Inc. (CEAP)- CEAP’s Holiday Program is open to residents of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park or East Champlin who have children in the household aged 18 or younger. To register leave a message on the Holiday Line at 763-450-3670.
North Suburban Emergency Assistance Response (NEAR)- Open to residents of New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale between 42nd Ave N and 62nd Ave N. Please call for an appointment at (763) 533-2836 Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm.
St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP)- Open to St. Louis Park residents. Register in person M-Th 1-2pm and Tu 6-7pm. If there are questions about registration, please call 952-925-4899. Registration for the Holiday Toy Program ends December 13th.
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, Inc. (VEAP)- Open to residents of Bloomington, Edina, Richfield and part of south Minneapolis (south of 50th Street, west of Cedar Avenue). Register by phone at (952) 888-9616.
Jackson County
Lakefield Food Assistance- Pre-register at Jackson County Department of Human Services, Jackson County Community Health, or Lakefield Food Shelf. Please call 507-662-5718 with questions.
Ramsey County
White Bear Lake Food Shelf- The White Bear Lake Food shelf is taking registrations for food baskets until Thursday, December 8th. To register call the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf Monday through Friday 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm at 651-407-5310.
Washington County
Christian Cupboard- Please register in person on December 6th between 9-Noon. Open to residents of Woodbury, Maplewood south of I-94, Landfall, Oakdale, and Lake Elmo. Christian Cupboard is located in the Woodbury Lutheran Church at 7380 Afton Road, Woodbury, MN 55125. Please call 651-332-9042 with questions./li>
Friends in Need Food Shelf- Friends in Need Food Shelf is providing food and toy assistance for Christmas. To apply please call 651-203-9033. This program is open to residents of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, and Grey Cloud Island. You will need to bring your picture ID with a current bill for proof of address.
Family Pathways- The Family Pathways Food Pantry provides holiday meal supplies in December for families with school-age children. To apply call (651) 464-2098 for an appointment Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-6pm. You will need; application/registration forms, driver’s license, and proof of address. Service Area: Forest Lake, Scandia, Wyoming, and surrounding area
Community Helping Hand- Every year Community Helping Hand provides a Christmas Basket to residents of the Forest Lake School District that are falling on difficult times. To register call Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:00pm-4:00pm by December 9th at (651) 464-6831.
We’re coming up on an especially needy time of year for families, yet many metro Minnesota area organizations, churches, and food shelves ensure that every family can give thanks over a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Last year PHS had a list of 5 food shelves that families could contact for assistance, this year PHS’s Medical Social Worker, Monica Handlos has found even more resources to help families in need for the holiday season. Monica recommends contacting the United Way First Call for Help at 651-291-0211 if the list below doesn’t cover your area. Ask them for agencies or food shelves that are helping with Thanksgiving Meals or Baskets. They will ask for your zip code and give you a list of local agencies that might be able to help you out.
Review these options and see which ones make the most sense for you. You may also call Monica at 651-789-9215 for help in applying to the programs if you’re having trouble.
Most meals include a roasted turkey and dressing (already cooked) along with raw potatoes for you to cook, canned vegetables, canned cranberries, rolls, butter, milk and pie.
Holiday Meals:
Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels
651.699.5404
They deliver Thanksgiving meals to families living within 45 miles of St. Paul. Call between 8:30-4pm to set up a delivery. They will need your address, zip code, and number of people who will be eating on Thanksgiving. Meals will be delivered between 8-11am on Thanksgiving and someone needs to be at home in order to sign for the delivery. The meal includes a roasted turkey and dressing (already cooked) along with raw potatoes, canned vegetables, canned cranberries, rolls, butter, milk, and pie for dessert.
Cherokee Tavern
886 Smith Ave S, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Free Thanksgiving meal served at Noon and 1:30pm.
Transportation is available to those in need and meals may be delivered if needed. For tickets please call Neighbors, Inc 651.455.1508; St. Francis de Sales 651.228.1169, Neighborhood House 651.789.2564-Spanish or 651.789.2541-Hmong
Bierstube
651.773.5854
2670 E County Rd E, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or 7121 10th St Oakdale, MN 55128.
Free Thanksgiving meal provided to anyone in need between 12-2:30pm.
Pepitos Mexican Restaurant
612.827.2928
4820 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Free Thanksgiving meal provided beginning at 10am.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
952.935.1753
715 Minnetonka Mills Rd, Hopkins, MN 55343
Free Thanksgiving meal beginning at 1pm in Gethsemane Lutheran Fellowship Hall. Please make a reservation by November 23rd.
Faith Lutheran Church of Coon Rapids
763.354.7826
11115 Hanson Blvd, NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Free Thanksgiving Meal. Serves Anoka County. Please call church for details.
Food Baskets:
Christian Cupboard
651.738.2338
7380 Afton Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Need to register in person on November 15th between 9-Noon. Bring id and proof of address such as a current utility bill. Children will also need a proof of ID such as a medical or social security card.
Area served includes, Woodbury, Maplewood south of I-94, Landfall, Oakdale.
Family Pathways
651.464.2098
935 Lake St. S, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Holiday meal supplies are provided. Please call for an appointment. Will need to complete an application, show proof of address, and ID. Service area: Forest Lake, Scandia, Wyoming, and surrounding area.
North Suburban Emergency Assistance Response (NEAR)
763.533.2836
4803 Welcome Ave N, Crystal, MN 55429
Thanksgiving Baskets available to those eligible. Please call for an appointment Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm.
Service area: New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale between 42nd Ave N and 62nd Ave N.
“Anything that a normal healthy child can do so can she, there’s just a little more baggage. I just want people to know that it is possible. Your kids, they deserve the best. It just becomes your new normal.”
PHS mom Heather on traveling and excursions with their medically-fragile daughter, Emerson.
PHS patient, Tana, on an airplane ventilator and all, on her way to Mexico!
PHS wants families to know that we are here to help and to support you in every way we can and that includes helping you prepare to travel with your medically-fragile child. See below for the various ways PHS can help you when preparing to travel to grandmas for the weekend or for that big airplane ride you’ve all been waiting to take!
You can ask PHS to ship disposable supplies to travel destinations in the United States (except Hawaii and Alaska). Alternatively, you may choose to carry disposable supplies with you or ship them yourself.
Notify PHS at least 5 business days before your arrival date to allow enough shipping time.
Make sure any equipment you ship arrives safely by packing it in a correctly sized box. Call us if you need a shipping box. We strongly recommend that you always bring or ship backup equipment.
You can also arrange before leaving home to have backup equipment available at your destination. Call a hospital in your travel area and ask for the names of local agencies that might have equipment or supplies that meet your child’s needs. Be sure to say that you want agencies that serve children because most home care and medical equipment providers serve only adults.
Call the airline about your child’s medical needs before buying a plane ticket. Each airline has separate rules about the type of medical support it allows during a flight. Most major airlines will accommodate your child’s medical equipment needs, whereas some charter airlines will not.
An airline may require a doctor’s order before it allows medical support during a flight.
Make sure the airport terminal can meet your child’s needs while you wait to board the plane or after you arrive at your destination.
Summer Holiday Shipping Schedule
PHS is CLOSED on the following Mondays in observance of holidays:
July 4 and September 5
On-call clinicians will be available for emergency therapy and equipment troubleshooting needs.
Order supplies in advance so you don’t run out! Shipping service during the long weekends may be delayed.
Do you have any travel tips, photos or experiences from traveling with your medically-fragile child that you’d like to share with other families? We’d love to hear about all your fun!
If your child uses a feeding tube, you know it helps conveniently provide necessary nutrition and sometimes medications. But not when it’s clogged. Clogged feeding tubes interrupt important feedings and can cause frustration and discomfort. To keep lines clear, PHS and many of our families use the Clog Zapper .
Clog Zapper is convenient and easy to use. In this video, PHS Dietician Janelle Peterson, RD, LD, CNSD, takes you step-by-step through using the product to keep your child on track and avoid replacing feeding tubes.
