Community Comes Together to Help Hundreds of Families in Need

By Carol Webster

The spirit of giving was on full display this December as community organizations and volunteers joined forces to support families in need at the sixth annual “Because We Care Holiday Giveaway.”

On Saturday, December 20, the Hickman Mills Community Empowerment Center hosted 254 families who registered to “shop” for free toys donated by community members and partner organizations. Nearly 800 children benefited from the event.

Unlike a traditional toy drive, the event focused on long-term support in addition to meeting immediate needs. Families participated in an orientation that connected them with resources for job training, education, and personal development.

“This is not your typical toy drive giveaway,” said Pastor Dennis Lester, one of the event’s organizers. “We want to provide empowerment and sustainability for our families in south Kansas City.”

Several community partners shared opportunities available to attendees. Kimberly Simmons of Literacy KC spoke about free mentoring and preparation programs for high school equivalency exams such as the GED.

The owners of Klassic Transformations Barber Academy encouraged interested individuals to apply to their training program, which offers up to 10 Jobs KC scholarships per year funded by the Kauffman Foundation. The scholarships cover full tuition and supplies for qualifying applicants.

Shalese Clay of Uzazi Village spoke about resources for pregnancy especially in Black and brown communities.

A representative from the Greater Kansas City Black Nurses Association talked about training to work in health care.

“People come for what they want — toys — and leave with what they need, jobs,” said Jenelle Lester. “Today they are recipients. Next year [we hope] they are volunteers.”

Many families learned about the holiday giveaway through flyers sent home with students in Hickman Mills schools, helping ensure the opportunity reached those who needed it most.

Organizers expressed gratitude to the dozens of volunteers who handled registration, toy sorting, and personal shopping assistance, as well as the education and job training partners who participated.

Donor organizations included Bethel Family Worship Center, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Kansas City Stake), Hope Chapel Lee’s Summit, Klassic Transformations Barber Academy, and Ruskin High School as well as KCPD through a “cram the cruiser” event.

“Our hearts were full,” organizers said, noting the strong turnout and community support. “South Kansas City showed what community empowerment looks like in action.”