Project Nic’s Orphan Sunday Transforms Lives

Priya* just wanted to be a nurse. The Nepalese girl had been in a shelter for eight years and was now at the age to begin nursing school if it would ever be possible. Members of Heart of Life Church in Harrisonville, Mo. were there, and her words of expectation and hope touched their hearts. But could they make a difference for this orphan?

Underwriting for this feature was provided by the Horn Law Foundation

The doors at Heart of Life Harrisonville campus will swing open at 6 p.m. on November 9, and the first thing you’ll notice is the hum of voices-neighbors greeting neighbors, volunteers straightening tablecloths, kids darting around auction tables under the glow of church lights. It’s Orphan Sunday, but in Harrisonville, that means more than a date on the calendar. It’s a night when hope feels like something you can touch.

“On Orphan Sunday, we’re gathering together for a special evening of generosity, community, and hope for over 250 children cared for by Project Nic,” the organization told Metro Voice. There’s no price for admission, just the promise of a good meal, a little friendly competition, and the chance to change lives that might otherwise be forgotten.

Project Nic is a Kansas City-based nonprofit with a simple, stubborn mission: surround orphaned and vulnerable children with the love, care, and support they need to thrive. From the chaos of Myanmar to the rural villages of Togo and the city bustle of India, the group supports shelters and after-school programs that offer more than a roof and a meal-they offer belonging.

It’s making a difference. When the volunteers heard Priya’s story, they sprang into action and shared them faithfully. Within three hours of posting the need on GoFundMe, Project Nic raised the entire cost of the nursing program.

Lara Justesen, with the ministry, was one of those volunteers that day. “I’ve been to the shelters and it is so beautiful the love that abounds in them for those bright faces,” Justesen said. “God’s light is truly there.”

God is in the details of that young woman’s life, Justesen continues. “This is where I get misty-eyed,” she says, “thinking about Priya again and again.”

On auction night, you’ll hear those stories and more. There’s a little something for everyone. Handmade quilts, sports memorabilia, gift cards, and even one or two “can’t believe someone donated that” surprises line the tables. Bidding happens online, thanks to West Central Auction Company, so even folks who can’t make it to Butler Drive can join in. But if you’re there in person, you’ll get to see the items up close-and maybe trade a few good-natured jabs with the competition.

There’s also the 50/50 raffle, which always brings a little extra buzz. Buy a ticket for five bucks, or five for twenty, and you might walk out with half the pot. The other half? “Every bid, every ticket, and every donation goes directly to support vulnerable children around the world-providing food, shelter, education, and the reminder that they are deeply loved,” the group promises.

Justesen knows how far those donations go. “You’re making a huge difference in the reach we can have. And since the shelter leadership is ready to double capacity, we need to raise more funds than ever before,” she said.

If you ask around, someone will tell you about a child in Nepal who now dreams of being a teacher, or the clinic in Togo that’s almost finished. None of these stories are flashy, but all of them matter.

Bring a friend. Bring your generosity. On a cold November night, a little warmth goes a long way-and for the children of Project Nic, it can mean the world.

–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice

Priya* – Names changed to protect the identities.

Underwriting for this feature was provided by the Horn Law Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to both support and highlight Kansas City non-profit organizations that provide services to individuals and families who are facing a crisis.