Make it a Season of Giving
Tis’ the season for decorating, shopping, baking and celebrating! But it’s also the season for giving – a time to help others have a wonderful holiday — to share our time, talents and resources.
And yes, I know things are really busy right now – so a group of us got together to highlight some wonderful charities in Kansas City to learn more about what they need during the holidays.
Whether you’re interested in donating items, spending some time making the season brighter for others or just finding a way that your family can do some volunteering together – we’ve got you covered!
Helping Others Have a Happy Holiday
Safehome provides confidential help along with a place to live to live for women and children who need to escape an abusive relationship. They have a wishlist of items that re needed, along with ways you can volunteer. Visit it’s me, debc for more details!
The Children’s Place is another local shelter that services children who have been abused. And Yelp Shops Local is organizing local shopping events that will raise money to help support this great organization! Stop by Back to Allen to find out more about where you can shop-to-give this season!
Soleful Suitcases is highlighting the Kansas City Rescue Mission — a shelter that offers a place to stay and a warm meal to any who need it! They welcome food donations (purchased or home-made) and personal items. They served more than 85,000 meals last year alone!
Hillcrest Transitional Housing offers housing to more than 250 homeless families and youth each year, with locations throughout Kansas City. Raising the Barrs details how we can help through a variety of donations, special events and more!
Jewish Family Services is a local food pantry that answers 200 calls each month from families in need. You can help by donating food items, paper goods or donate time to assist the staff. Blogchickabowow has all the details!
Supporting Our Furry Friends
Are you a dog or cat lover? Then I’m sure you’re familiar with Wayside Waifs, Kansas City’s largest no-kill pet adoption organization! Whatcah Makin’ Now? has a great write-up of how you can help support the animals and the shelter this year!
There are also many smaller rescue groups in the area who are supported by amazing men and women who want to find great homes for pets. You can learn more about Midwest Adopt-a-Bull and other animal rescue groups from Wayward Dogs — and no, you don’t have to adopt a dog, there are lots of other ways to help too!
Donating Toys, Clothes & More
Bear Hugs is a local charity that was started by two local 11 year olds who wanted to provide teddy bears for kids who are going through an illness or hospital stay. Visit Everyday Truth to learn more!
And I’m sure you’ve seen those Toys for Tots boxes around town! All donated toys go to kids in our community! Boxes are located throughout the metro — Sarah Scoop has all the details!
If you want to grant a specific list, you can adopt an angel from one of the Salvation Army’s angel trees. The Salvation Army also has individual adults and families who can be adopted if you are able to bless a few people this season. Visit KC Edventures to learn more!
Every year, the Rose Brooks Women’s Shelter hosts a holiday store for their families. Donations of new toys, clothing and other necessities are always needed. Check out all the details at Happy Family Movement!
And Healthnut Foodie is collecting gently used coats and jeans for the women supported by Veronica’s Voice — they want to collect more than 100 (and with cold weather approaching, this is such a need).
Providing Comfort to People
Going through a terminal illness is hard enough, but during the holidays it becomes even a more difficult time. Turning Point is a wonderful organization that provides support to families during end of life times. Laughing Cat will tell you more about how you can help this holiday.
Thank you in advance for considering how you and your family can help to make this an enjoyable season for others — wishing you a Happy Holiday season!
This post is by my friend Jacquie Fisher who is the author and curator of KCEdventures. KC Edventures is an online resource that provides parents & grandparents with ideas to keep kids creative, curious and connected to the world around them. (In my speak, they give you ideas that combine hands-on, with books, and places to go in Kansas City.)
