By: Jake Jacobson
December is celebrated as the season of giving – either as a family tradition or through tax-deductible, year-end donations – so it’s the perfect time to support your favorite causes or discover new charitable groups. Whether you’re a neighbor enjoying the holidays or a visitor planning your next trip here, we hope you’ll enjoy this list of seven different nonprofits that are based in Overland Park and serve our community throughout the year.
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
Serving the surrounding 21 counties, Catholic Charities can help with daily basics - including food, clothing and shelter – as well as long-term education and resources. Their services are provided based on need — not religion, race or nationality – and in 2020 alone, they provided more than 84,000 healthy meals through the Kids Summer Food program.
Learn more and how to help: Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas
One of the top children’s hospitals in the nation, Children’s Mercy has around a half-million patients walk through its doors each year, and each visit starts with “How can we help?” rather than “How are you going to pay?” As the only freestanding children’s hospital between St. Louis and Denver, Children’s Mercy treats kids in every county in Kansas and every corner of Missouri, and the nonprofit hospital relies on the community’s generous support to help them provide that world-class care.
Learn more and how to help: Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas
Cornerstones of Care – Overland Park
Focused on compassionate care, Cornerstones partners with children, young adults and families to improve safety and health through six key service areas: Education, Mental & Behavioral Health, Foster Care & Adoption, Youth Support, Family Support and Community Trainings. Last year, they served more than 10,000 children and families, creating a safe healing environment that respects dignity and inclusion.
Learn more and how to help: Cornerstones of Care
Gift of Life Foundation
Formed more than 20 years ago by families connected through a pediatric liver transplant that was truly the “Gift of Life,” this organization now reaches 30,000 students and their families each year through high school presentations and community outreach. As more than 120,000 Americans await a life-saving transplant – 3,000 just in Kansas and Missouri – it’s important to know that organs donated by one person can potentially save 8 lives.
Learn more and how to help: Gift of Life Foundation
Sacks on Santa Fe, benefiting Heartstrings Community Foundation
Not only does this quaint boutique clothing store offer upscale, resale clothing for men and women, accessories and home goods, the shop also provides unique employment opportunities for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The next time you’re exploring Downtown Overland Park and enjoying the charm and character, be sure to stop in and support this great organization either by donating or buying a new item for your wardrobe.
Learn more and how to help: Sack on Santa Fe
TFI Family Services
TFI is a leading child welfare agency providing various types of services, including foster and kinship care, domestic and international adoption, counseling support and education. Founded as a rural youth day camp nearly 60 years ago, TFI has grown to become a multi-state child welfare organization. They extend their educational reach through their blog, which includes topics such as fostering infants, connecting with teenagers in foster care, and how to make the holidays special.
Learn more and how to help: TFI Family Services
The Single MOM KC
There are more than 61,000 single-mother families in the Kansas City metro, and The Single MOM KC helps provide a place where moms receive healing and hope to pass on to their children and others. Have clothing you no longer need? You can help single moms shop for themselves for free at the nonprofit’s Clothed With Dignity Boutique, which accepts donated women’s clothing in good condition of all sizes, styles, and seasons.
Learn more and how to help: The Single MOM KC
With thousands of nonprofits in the region, there are countless ways to support local communities and neighbors in need. Whether you choose to help an organization that you learned about on this list or donate to one that you’ve supported for years, we appreciate that you’re thinking about wrapping up your holiday season by giving someone a happier new year.
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