Contact us
Thrive penobscot
899 Central Street
Millinocket, Maine 04462
Phone: 207-723-5288
Fax: 207-723-7435
Email: jdanforth@mrhme.org
KATAHDIN AREA SUPPORT GROUP HELPS FOLKS LIVING WITH CANCER IN MANY WAYS
The Katahdin Area Support Group has been an important part of Millinocket and surrounding towns for over thirty years. We help people in the community living with cancer. KASG is also an important partner of Thrive Penobscot.
When KASG first started, there was a growing need for aiding those with cancer and other disabilities. Though the years, our all-volunteer support group has amassed hospital beds with mattresses, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, shower seats and commodes, plus personal items. These items are given out on loan to those who request them and then returned back to us when no longer needed. All the items are given out free of charge. When they are returned, all items are thoroughly cleaned and checked by our volunteers. We are always looking for donations of gently used equipment and really appreciate when the equipment is returned to us so we can help another person who may need it . The support supply room is located in the old Stearns building at Colby and Katahdin Avenue at ground level. If you have any gently used equipment you would like to donate we would love to have it. If you need to use our equipment, please call Jerry Bulley at 723-2037 or Donald Berry at 279-9349 for an appointment.
KASG also runs a project called “Operation Bread Basket”. Our volunteers deliver homemade bread loaves and sweets to the homes of cancer patients in the Katahdin region on the 4th Tuesday of every month. We find delivering these baked goods lifts people’s spirits. We really strive to help people coping with cancer and to brighten their day any way we can. We like to let the cancer patients know that we do remember them and care about them.
Our “Love Gift Program” consists of a monetary offering to those who need gas money for trips to the hospital for cancer treatments. These monies do not have to be paid back as they are gifts from our group. We rely on family and friends to contact us to see if we can be of any help to alleviate burdens the patient may have. The Support group relies on donations to continue to fulfill the community’s need.
At KASG we have a list of volunteer drivers who take people back and forth from their cancer treatments and doctor’s appointments as far as Bangor. Our volunteers really love helping folks. We really want to help families and patient’s alleviate some of the stress that comes with dealing with a cancer diagnosis. We provide these rides free of charge.
Katahdin Area Support Group plays an important role in the Thrive Penobscot group. We are a vital resource to the community and we provide valuable insights about the struggles people in the region are dealing with. By being a member of Thrive Penobscot, we have learned about many other resources available to the community. KASG has also let other members know about the services and help we provide. We think Thrive has helped our group become better known in the community and we hope our partnership can continue so we can help more people in our area.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer for Katahdin Area Support Group we are always looking for caring volunteers and donations. You can make checks payable to Katahdin Area Support Group and mail them to PO Box 374 Millinocket, ME 04462. Or give us a call to donate, volunteer or to request one of our services for you or your loved one dealing with cancer (207)723-5769.