'Tis the Season to be Charitable

December 19, 2012

It's easy to get tunnel vision around the holidays. But while you're making your (grocery) list and checking it twice, fighting crowds at the mall, waiting in line at the post office, decorating your space, and trying to get five pies baked for that potluck you'll be attending, someone's just trying to figure out how to make ends meet, how to get to work, or how to explain to their children why Santa isn't coming again this year. Luckily, there are a number of great organizations in the Kansas City area that do what they can to help out those in need. They rely on donations to function though, and they could always use your help!

Many of those who now find themselves needing support were self-sufficient before. There's no shame in needing to ask for help from time to time. It doesn't take much for the tables to turn. You might lose your job. You might be faced with an emergency medical procedure that you have to pay for out-of-pocket because you don't have insurance. Or, you could be the one receiving the aid that we're asking you to consider providing today.

There are lots of ways you can help. A donation doesn't have to be monetary. You can offer a few hours of your time or show up to a blood drive. You can give those old books and clothes to a local shelter. The possibilities are truly endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Donate blood through the Community Blood Center.
• Donate time or money to Cancer Action, a Kansas City-based organization that raises funds and provides many services for cancer patients.
• Buy a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
• Donate used clothing to your area thrift store. Ask around to see which stores donate a certain percentage of their earnings to charity.
• Donate your used books to Better World Books--they'll cover the shipping.
• Volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen.

And if you find yourself in need of help, remember these three numbers: 211. You don't have to spend hours trying to locate the right community resource anymore. The work will be done for you, right over the phone!

What will you do to make someone's holidays a little brighter this year?

Amanda W.
North Independence Branch