This is the season of giving. Most people, despite whatever financial struggle they find themselves in, dig a little deeper to support charities.
By Anita Widaman
One of the reasons is that they want to be the solution to a need that they are passionate about in their community. Others give because they want to model behavior for their children hoping that they will volunteer or exhibit generosity as adults. Many see the Christmas season as a time to help those in financial need or to give a “hand up to someone.” Giving to others makes us feel good and we realize how fortunate we are.
Many nonprofits find that end-of-the-year giving allows them to stabilize or expand their services. Susan Timmons of Christian Family Services commented, “We rely heavily on the giving of individual contributors—whom we consider the lifeblood of our organization …Your help is vitally needed to enable us to serve others!”
If you are strapped but want to give, skip the special coffee drink or eating lunch out while Christmas shopping. In a nonprofit’s budget, every dollar counts.
Each year we ask the community organization that serve women and children in the Kansas City area what their needs are. See is there is a need in an area that you are passional about and can meet! Several organization’s wishes are items that your kids will be excited to assist you in selecting.
A GIFT OF HOPE ADOPTIONS
Our number one need is monetary donations for expectant/birth parent expenses. We often will pay rent, utilities, etc. for our birth parent clients, and we do keep an account specifically for this purpose. If there is not enough in it, we have to ask the adoptive parents she chose if they are willing to pay for it, which of course is an added risk and expense for them. If we can help without charging extra fees of course we want to do that. For further information email info@agiftofhopeadoptions.com. agiftofhopeadoptions.com
ALPHA CHRISTIAN CHILDREN’S HOME
For 50 years now, Alpha has been HOME for children who need a safe place to live. This legacy has been made possible through the generosity of our amazing donors and volunteers who have been a part of building this ministry from the ground up. Alpha is dependent on donations from compassionate friends like you to sustain the ministry and continue to meet the children’s daily needs.
Our most pressing and urgent need is for a Christ-filled married couple to parent and nurture children in our Alpha House residence!!You can find more information on our website alphachristianchildrenshome.com ! Contact Jeff Mulpas, Director of Development, 785-760-6355
BIRTHRIGHT
We are wishing for volunteers to commit time to work in our center to offer love, hope and support to the women who call and come.
We need maternity shirts, M & L, nursing bras, M, L, leggings, M, L, XL and baby girl clothes and pajamas, 0-3 months, and girls 24 month and 2T winter clothes. Contact Birthright at 816-444-7090 or email birthrightkc@juno.com. birthright.org
CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICES
Our current wish list includes a laptop computer, a new Ergonomic office chair, 20 lb. copy paper, colored copy paper, electric stapler, and especially financial gifts. We do have tax credits for Missouri taxpayers for gifts of $100 or more. Contact us for more info at 913-383-3337. adoptionsbycfs.com
IF NOT FOR GRACE
As we seek to serve those who have been impacted by abortion, we are always looking for compassionate and gentle volunteers to step into pivotal roles within our ministry and community. As our reach has expanded beyond the KC Metro, we are looking for donors who have airline points/miles they are willing to give to help bring clients in for our Reconciliation Weekends. We are also needing donations ($50) that will supply all we need for individualized “HOPE” boxes so that each woman and man know they are seen & loved. Contact Renae at 816-847-2911. infg.org
KANSANS FOR LIFE
As 2023 comes to a close, Kansas continues to be at the center of the fight for life in a post-Roe America and we must find new ways to change hearts and minds about abortion. Sadly, record numbers of out-of-state residents are coming here to seek abortions. Kansans for Life is facing this growing challenge by working to steer more public and private funding to pregnancy resource centers and create new educational outreach efforts. Your generous end of year gift will help us move forward with a retooled information campaign to address the current cultural environment.
Wish list items:
- Support statewide pro-life educational efforts to win hearts and minds among younger generations
- Financial assistance for our government affairs work to advance life-affirming public policies
To make a year-end donation, visit our giving page or contact Jessica at (800) 928-5433. www.kfl.org
MBCH CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES
MBCH Children and Family Ministries ministers to abused and neglected teens. The agency also ministers to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our agency is requesting sensory items/fidgets, hygiene supplies, weighted blankets, craft supplies, and water bottles to assist in our care of hurting children, youth, and families. Contact Dawn at 816-779-5173 www.mbch.org
MISSOURI RIGHT TO LIFE WESTERN REGION
At Missouri Right to Life Western Region we are dedicated to defending the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. We hope to increase our influence throughout the metro in 2024 through participation in more community events, more exposure in the Hispanic community, bringing the message of life into area churches and Christian schools, and canvassing neighborhoods with positive information. This is best accomplished by your prayers, monetary gifts, and volunteer time. Visit mrl-wr.org to find out more. Link to donate: HERE. Contact MRL Western Region at 816-353-4113 mrl-wr.org
PARKVILLE WOMEN’S CLINIC
Parkville Women’s Clinic staff and volunteers have a heart to serve women, men, and families, with Christ-like compassion. Sonya Rice, Executive Director states, “We meet them right where they are in life, not judging them on the chapter we walked in on.” One client recognized this in her online review when she wrote, “I promise you they are a fantastic group of people. Normally any office I visit will treat me like a number and just be fast about getting me in and out. Well not here. They take their time, ask questions, and are positive individuals. Seriously I hope you all realize that you going the extra mile to help women means the world to so many people.”
If you would like to support the mission of Parkville Women’s Clinic this holiday season, please visit our Amazon baby registry for ideas HERE.
Other items that are frequently needed are Uber, Walmart, QT, and other local gift cards. Contact Sonya at 816-746-7855 pwc4life.us
SHOW-ME CHRISTIAN YOUTH HOME
Help the children make memories with their Show-Me families! Significant, positive memories build the resilience these kids need to overcome their unfortunate pasts and prepare for a healthy future.
You can help create memories that last a lifetime by giving gift cards or passes to special events: movies, bowling, sporting games, and other fun activities. Or stuff the kids’ stockings with gift cards of $5 or $10 to allow each child to pick out a favorite treat.
Also, you can find a variety of items to gift the families on Show-Me’s Amazon Wish List, http://l.ead.me/ShowMeList, or you can find the latest needs at ShowMeHelpingKids.com. For more information, call 660-347-5982. showmehelpingkids.com
THE LIGHT HOUSE
Are you interested in making a year-end gift to The LIGHT House? Gifts over $100 may be eligible for 70% Missouri Tax Credits. Reach out to your regional representative Ben King at 816.472.9072 or ben.king@mbch.org to get more information. Your kindness and partnership can transform the lives of mothers and children in need!
A detailed LIGHT House Wishlist can be found online at https://mbch.org/lhprayerandcampusneeds/. Special requests for winter hats and gloves (all sizes), new children’s books, and bath and body items for moms. mbch.org/the-light-house
–Anita Widaman | Metro Voice
