So what inspired me this evening? An empty barrel in my department just hungry for some winter clothes. I picked out four jackets I no longer where to stuff in this barrel. This is such a great idea if you have no cash and want to do something good. I found four jackets that I am donating to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. I have gained a little weight over the years...ahem....so I have some coats that I know will have a great home. Plus, I must say they are quite fashionable. : )
A little bit about the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. Johnson County, KS. has this stigma of being an affluent county. Although this is not the case for all residents living in the county, especially as we see our county grow over the year. In 1977 a shop was open to assist those who are not affluent in the area. The citizens of beautiful Johnson county desperately in need of some warm clothes are mainly children, women, and the elderly. This year I am so please to donate my four gently used jackets to keep someone warm. Here is the website for a great non-profit.
More to come in other areas:
About Johnson County Christmas Bureau
"More than a history, this is a story of dedicated individuals who have given of their time and of themselves to make the holiday season a little brighter for those less fortunate."
- Ruth Keroher, Shawnee Mission Chapter of AAUW (founding organization)
Who We Are
The Johnson County Christmas Bureau is a
501(C)(3) non-profit, non-denominational agency created to provide the
county's low-income families with groceries, personal care items,
children's clothing, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, toys, adult and teen
gifts and books for the holidays. JCCB began as an adopt-a-family
project in 1960 by the Shawnee Mission Chapter of AAUW; the Holiday Shop
format was introduced in 1977.
Although
Johnson County has a reputation for affluence, the rising level of
poverty in the county is swelling the number of families seeking holiday
assistance from the Bureau.
The Holiday Shop, held over a nine day
period in early December, annually serves more than 3,400 families,
(more than 12,500 individuals), who otherwise would go without during
the holiday season. Many are
working families trying to make ends meet; more than 86
percent are women and children. More than 650 nursing home residents
also are served by our program.
Qualifying clients are referred by
Kansas SRS, Johnson County Human Services, Johnson County Mental Health,
Catholic Community Services, Johnson County Human Service
Multi-Purpose Centers, El Centro, schools, religious organizations,
Center of Grace, Head Start, and other agencies. Upon completion of an
application, clients are given an appointment to shop. With the help of
volunteers, clients select a prescribed number of food and gift items
pegged to the size of their family. Clients pay a small dignity fee.
All items provided to our clients are new, with the exception of gently used coats and books.
Our volunteers work year-round purchasing
items at a discount and seeking new donated items to prepare for each
year’s Holiday Shop. Over a two week period from set-up to take-down,
more than 3,000 volunteers help at the Holiday Shop, held in donated
space.
Won’t You Help Us?
The Bureau is 100 percent dependent on
community support. Businesses, service and religious organizations,
schools, grants, individuals and the United Way provide our funding.
You can help by sponsoring year-round donation drives to collect
groceries, personal care items, children's clothing, coats, hats,
gloves, scarves, toys, adult and teen gifts and books for the holidays.
Click here to see our Wish List.
When you donate your time and/or money to the
Christmas Bureau, you help make the holiday season a little brighter for
families facing difficult financial times. Thank you!
Making the holidays brighter for low-income Johnson County residents.
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