Monday, November 26, 2012

Giving Tuesday


Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, (#GivingTuesday) also known as Generous Tuesday. What is that you say? It is a national day of giving on November 27, 2012, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, called #GivingTuesday, will be the first of its kind. Coinciding with the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are synonymous with holiday shopping. (as mentioned on www.nonprofitpathways.org)

I'd like to take this day to formally highlight Kansas City Rescue Mission. I know you've seen my posts about this organization lately, but I'd really like you to get to know it, its needs, and just how you can help.


I was first introduced to this organization just about a month ago. A friend told me she had volunteered there, and liked it. I was looking for a shelter that could use some cake mix and cereal I'd purchased at Target after Halloween, and this was the outlet I needed. After making another donation just last week I decided to be apart of a blog hop today, and hopefully give KCRM a boost.

In 2011, KCRM served 1,471 individual people, giving them shelter for the night, a meal, or support. They served 86,855 meals. That my friends, is a lot of food. It takes an small army of volunteers (think 2,027 people giving 13,258 hours of their time) to produce the meals needed to feed those hungry people. One way you and your family could help out this season (or all year round) is to give your time. It doesn't cost you anything. You get the feel-good feeling of helping out those in need. You can share with your children the importance of giving.

Another way you could help out is by donating items to the shelter. Right now they are in desperate need of men's white socks, underwear, coats, and jeans. They need foods like meat, sugar, breakfast cereals and meat, and canned goods. Over-the-counter medicines (without alcohol) are also needed. Toiletries like deodorant, shave gel and razors, combs, and soap. Don't feel like you have to have a car full of stuff in order to make a difference. It all does. Perhaps you'd like to have a shelter drive in your neighborhood. Pick out one or two items, keep the focus small, and ask your neighbors to drop the items off at your house. Then take them down.

Maybe you'd like to give in another way. Consider a baked goods drive. While the shelter does receive donations from local grocery store bakeries, we all know nothing beats homemade treats. Get together with your neighbors, moms group, office workers, running club, scout troop, or church. Pick a day that you want to collect the baked goods and have everyone bring them. Plan on driving to KCRM that afternoon or the next day with a car full of goodies. This is an easy outreach. You can make it fun by having your kids help you bake, and explain to them just who you're baking for. It's a win-win. You get quality time with your kids and the shelter gets some tasty treats that provide a little ray of hope.

I hope you consider getting involved with Kansas City Rescue Mission, or another shelter of your choosing. If we all took the time to do just one of these easy ideas, this shelter, or any shelter, would be filled with love and hope, encouragement for a brighter tomorrow.

Please help make #GivingTuesday 2012 a success.
Get involved.
Make a difference.




To learn about other Kansas City charities and how you can make the season brighter for others, visit these great blogs:


Everyday Truth --- Bear Hugs

it's me, debcb! --- Safehome

Back to Allen --- The Children's Place

Whatcha Makin Now --- Wayside Waifs

Soleful Suitcases --- KC Rescue Mission

Wayward Dogs --- Midwest Adopt-a-Bull

Sarah Scoop --- Toys for Tots

Laughing Cat Creations --- Turning Point

Blogchickabowow --- Jewish Family Services

Healthnut Foodie --- Veronica's Voice

Raising the Barrs --- Hillcrest Transitional Housing

KC Edventures --- Salvation Army; Children's Mercy

The Happy Family Movement --- Rose Brooks Women's Center



3 comments:

  1. What a great idea with the bake sale! I'll have to get a group together. ~Chelsea, Whatcha Makin' Now

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  2. @Chelsea. Its not a bake sale. You and your friends get together and bake items and then just bring them to the shelter. Although if you wanted to have a bake sale you could, and then just donate the money. I'm planning on having Wednesday, December 12 be a big baked goods delivery day if you'd like to line yours up for the same day.

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  3. It is so sad that we have so many people that go without shelter, food....the basics, in a country of such abundance. Our family always tries to give to as many causes through out the year as we can. While we may struggle once in awhile, it is nothing like some others. Thank you for sharing

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