INDEPENDENT
Ability KC page 20
Bishop Sullivan Center
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City
Camp Encourage
CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties
Catholic Charities Kansas City – St. Joseph
page 22
page 13
page 25
page 14
page 18
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas page 10
Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA)
Children’s Mercy
Community Health Council of Wyandotte County
Gilda’s Club Kansas City
page 21
page 8
page 24
page 22
Giving Hope & Help page 13
Giving the Basics page 11
Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas
page 24
SparkWheel
page 10 United WE
Wayside Waifs
page 14
page 23 Welcome House page 16
Publisher’s Note
As we continue to celebrate our quasquicentennial this year, tradition has featured heavily in our celebrations. One of the more recent traditions that has found a home here at The Independent is also one of my favorites. Give KC was started in 2019 as a way to honor the unique philanthropic spirit of Kansas City and in celebration of National Philanthropy Day and Giving Tuesday. This booklet constantly reminds me that community is such an important aspect of our humanity and the organizations within its pages change the world for many individuals.
In honor of our 125th anniversary, we wanted to take a couple of pages of this book to highlight historical moments from organizations that have been featured in our previous booklets. We wanted to make sure that as we celebrate our own history, we also honor the history of some of the organizations that make Our Town such a wonderful place to live.
In keeping with that mindset, we asked our cartoonist, Charlie Podrebarac, to design the cover this year. We wanted a design that shows the growth of Kansas City and its skyline during the last 125 years. As we have been perusing our archives this year, we found this wonderful picture of Charlie featured in a Name Dropping piece from 1988. Since 2015, Charlie’s OurTown cartoons have become another extraordinary tradition at The Independent.
This year, Give KC is sponsored by The University of Kansas Health System. Their hospital has been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report. For 2024-2025, and for the 15th consecutive year, The University of Kansas Hospital was named the Best Hospital in Kansas City.
from the February 6, 1988 Issue of The Independent
We hope that throughout these pages, you will find new ways to support your favorite organizations or discover new organizations that need your generosity. The digital version of Give KC will be released on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, to subscribers of our e-newsletter, The Insider. Please join us in the tradition of celebrating these wonderful non-profit organizations, as your small action can create lasting impact.
Publisher • Rachel Lewis Falcon
Editor • Nancy Sachse
Art Director • Lisa M. Shea
Non-profit Director • Annie England
Director of Sales and Production • Lauren Cashman
Performing Arts Editor • Paul Horsley
Content Manager • Anne Potter Russ
Director of Program Guide Operations • Christin Painter
Office and Circulation Manager • Laura Gabriel
Digital Media Strategist • Brittney Young
Feature Writers • Monica V. Reynolds and Anne Potter Russ
Cartoonist • Charlie Podrebarac
Charlie Podrebarac Reprinted
is pleased to present our 5th Annual
publication!
REMEMBER WHEN
Kansas City Ballet’s Nutcracker Ball: Mr. and Mrs. Pete Sherrow, benefactors; with Mr. and Mrs. Greg Storm
Reprinted from the May 11, 1999 issue of The Independent.
MOCSA’s Community Luncheon:
Roxie Jerde, board chairman; Casey Eike, past luncheon advisory committee chairman; and Mayor Kay Barnes and Steve Metzler, advisory committee co-chairmen
Reprinted from the April 24, 1999 issue of The Independent.
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Snow Ball: Looking lovely are Mrs. Dave Krull, publicity; Mrs. Rich Teahan, reservations; Mrs. Kent Crippin, printing; and Mrs. Joe Donnelly, decorations.
Reprinted from the March 4, 1999 issue of The Independent.
Mercy
Reprinted from the July 31, 1999 issue of The Independent.
Mary S. Watkins
Children’s
Golf Classic: Mary Jane Barnes, Paget Higgins, and Judy and Graham Hunt
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City’s Kids Night Out:
(Front row) Dan Hesse and Diane Canaday Hesse (back row) Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Julie Bowen, and Eric Stonestreet, all of Modern Family
Reprinted from the February 22, 2014 issue of The Independent.
HappyBottoms’ 2019 Attitude of Gratitude event:
Susan Belger Angulo and Jill Gaikowski, HappyBottoms; with Shauna Olson and Jenn Cantrell, NASB
Reprinted from the November 9, 2019 issue of The Independent.
Community LINC’s 25th Anniversary Gala Rent Party: Nikki Newton, Kori Franklin, and Piper Newton
Reprinted from the November 15, 2014 issue of The Independent.
Welcome House’s 6th Annual Welcome House Breakfast: Katie Castro, co-chairman; Grant Baumgartner, co-chairman; Jamie Boyle, and John Wendorff
Reprinted from the June 8, 2019 issue of The Independent.
MISSION STATEMENT
To transform the health, wellbeing and potential of children, with unwavering compassion for those most vulnerable.
VOLUNTEER childrensmercy.org/volunteer
Every day, our incredible volunteers—community members just like you—make a difference in the lives of patients and families at Children’s Mercy in a variety of ways.
Contact: Kelly Kommers • 816-302-1020 • volunteer@cmh.edu
GIVE childrensmercy.org/donategoods
Contact: Wes Kraly • 816-302-1020 • donategoods@cmh.edu
DONATE childrensmercy.org/helpkids
Contact: Ramona Rosson • 816-346-1300 • giving@cmh.edu
MISSION STATEMENT We serve the most vulnerable men, women and children of all faiths across 21 counties. We provide more than 30 innovative programs and solutions that stabilize and strengthen individuals and families, moving them from a place of needing help to one of having hope.
VOLUNTEER catholiccharitiesks.org/volunteer
Schedule a visit with our volunteer department to explore ways to engage in one of our more than 30 programs, or serve on a fundraising committee for events like Snow Ball and The Ben and Betty Zarda Family Golf Classic.
Contact: Kathleen Currie • 913-433-2104 • kcurrie@catholiccharitiesks.org
GIVE catholiccharitiesks.org/donate-food-clothing-more
Contact: Denise Ogilvie • 913-433-2012 • dogilvie@catholiccharitiesks.org
DONATE catholiccharitiesks.org/donate
Contact: Kurtis Grothoff • 913-433-2030 • kgrothoff@catholiccharitiesks.org
MISSION STATEMENT To remove barriers and provide those we serve with the tools and resources they need to thrive, now and into the future.
VOLUNTEER sparkwheel.org/volunteer
Volunteers can help us manage in-school pantries of essential needs items, assist with events like financial literacy workshops and college and career fairs, or serve as a mentor. Contact us to find the best fit!
GIVE sparkwheel.org/give
DONATE sparkwheel.org/donate
Contact: Chloe Rodriguez • 785-856-5190 • chloe.rodriguez@sparkwheel.org
913-387-4375
MISSION STATEMENT To bring improved health, hope and dignity to struggling children and adults through the procurement, fulfillment, and distribution of hygiene products.
VOLUNTEER givingthebasics.org/volunteer-kc
Corporate and Group opportunities are available every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Pantry Pickup Day is the first Friday of each month from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Community Night is every second Tuesday from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Joanie Sheeley • 913-387-4375 • info@givingthebasics.org
GIVE givingthebasics.org/host-a-dignity-drive-kc
Contact: Nick Hardesty • 913-593-6730 • nick@givingthebasics.org
DONATE givingthebasics.org/donate-kc
Contact: Nick Hardesty • 913-593-6730 • nick@givingthebasics.org
816-531-0233 mocsa.org
855-479-2867 happybottoms.org
MISSION STATEMENT To improve the lives of those impacted by sexual abuse and assault and to prevent sexual violence in our community. Together we can create a community free from sexual assault and abuse.
VOLUNTEER mocsa.org/volunteer
Volunteers age 18 and older can get involved with direct services to victims, awareness and prevention efforts, and fundraising events. Survivors and non-survivors are welcome to apply. Volunteer training is offered quarterly.
Contact: Sara Cooper • 816-285-1376 • volunteer@mocsa.org
GIVE mocsa.org/donate
Contact: Kassie Sands • 816-285-1324 • ksands@mocsa.org
DONATE mocsa.org/donate
Contact: Kassie Sands • 816-285-1324 • ksands@mocsa.org
GIVE happybottoms.org/donate
MISSION STATEMENT To collaborate with the community to empower, connect and impact families by alleviating diaper need.
VOLUNTEER happybottoms.org/volunteer
Volunteers are needed to prepare and fulfill diaper orders, make deliveries, inventory, translate, and administrative work. Mobile, onsite diaper wrapping opportunities are available for groups of volunteers.
Contact: Andrea Babbit • 913-940-4450 volunteer@happybottoms.org
Contact: Susan Belger Angulo • 913-940-4450 • info@happybottoms.org
DONATE happybottoms.org/donate
Contact: Susan Belger Angulo • 913-940-4450 • info@happybottoms.org
MISSION STATEMENT Giving Hope & Help supports domestic violence survivors, provides essential resources to end period poverty, empowers college bound and non-traditional students, and inspires cancer patients, lifting all those we serve to live their best life.
VOLUNTEER givinghopeandhelp.org
Volunteers are needed to assemble period products into LOVE Bags PERIOD, assist with event planning, fundraising, office organization, and more. Join our difference-making Volunteer Dream Team today!
Contact: Adriana Suarez • 913-674-6141 volunteer@givinghopeandhelp.com
GIVE givinghopeandhelp.org
Contact: Adriana Suarez • 913-674-6141 • volunteer@givinghopeandhelp.com
DONATE givinghopeandhelp.org
Contact: Jessica McClellan • 816-607-1813 • donate@givinghopeandhelp.com
MISSION STATEMENT To promote the development of self-esteem, values and skills for boys and girls, ages five to 18, with special emphasis on youth from disadvantaged circumstances. The Clubs’ main goal is for every child to graduate from high school on-time and with post-secondary plans for the future.
VOLUNTEER helpkckids.org/get-involved/volunteer
Ongoing opportunities for group and individual volunteers include sports coaching, event support, book buddies for our literacy program, classroom/programming support, and homework help.
Contact: Alison Clothier • 816-462-0123 • aclothier@helpkckids.org
GIVE helpkckids.org
Contact: Katie Onello • 816-462-0133 • konello@helpkckids.org
DONATE helpkckids.org
Contact: Molly Groebe • 816-462-0139 • mgroebe@helpkckids.org 816-607-1813 givinghopeandhelp.org
VOLUNTEER casajwc.org/get-involved
Join
Contact: Courtney Mead • 913-715-4044 • cmead@casajwc.com
DONATE casajwc.org/support-casa
Contact: Natalie Julien • 913-715-4031 • njulien@casajwc.com
VOLUNTEER
MISSION STATEMENT Leading the way in creating a compassionate, safe community for pets and people through progressive, lifesaving programs and services, community resources, and educational opportunities.
VOLUNTEER kcpetproject.org/volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of KC Pet Project and without their time, talents, and resources, we would not be able to save the lives of more than 16,000 animals each year.
Contact: 816-683-1383 • volunteer@kcpetproject.org
GIVE kcpetproject.org/donate/shelter-wish-list
DONATE kcpetproject.org/donate
Contact: Patty Bowen • patty.bowen@kcpetproject.org • 816-683-1342
SPONSOR kcpetproject.org/donate/event-sponsorships
Contact: Bethany Duber • 816-683-1347 • bethany.duber@kcpetproject.org
Campus for Animal Care in Swope Park
816-472-0760
welcomehousekc.org
MISSION STATEMENT Providing a high-quality, moral, and open residential program to recovering alcoholics and drug-addicted men facing the difficult transition from treatment, incarceration, and homelessness, to reintegration to society as productive citizens.
VOLUNTEER welcomehousekc.org/ways-to-help/volunteer
Volunteers can share their skills in a variety of ways, including serving as Recovery Coaches, helping at special events, leading resident classes, or hosting fun activities. There is a volunteer opportunity for everyone!
Contact: Karena Jensen • 816-472-0760 • karenaj@welcomehousekc.org
GIVE
Contact: Karena Jensen • 816-472-0760 • karenaj@welcomehousekc.org
DONATE welcomehousekc.org/ways-to-help/donate
Contact: Christy Wineland • 816-472-0760 • christyw@welcomehousekc.org
MISSION STATEMENT To create a kinder and more compassionate world through the power of storytelling.
VOLUNTEER justlikeyoufilms.org/contact-us
Kansas Citians, and people across the globe, can volunteer with Just Like You Films by screening our films at your schools, businesses, and organizations, in addition to watching our films with family and friends..
Contact: Mandi Kearns • 913-908-1383 • mandi@jlyfilms.org
GIVE justlikeyoufilms.org/contact-us
Contact: Betsy Lindsey • 913-240-4269 • betsy@jlyfilms.org
DONATE justlikeyoufilms.org/donate
Contact: Betsy Lindsey • 913-240-4269 • betsy@jlyfilms.org
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Great Jobs KC is to provide access to college scholarships and tuition-free job training along with job placement assistance to secure family-sustaining jobs for low- to modest-income individuals in the Kansas City Area.
VOLUNTEER greatjobskc.org/become-a-reviewer/
As a community asset with many stakeholders, Great Jobs KC invites community members to review scholarship applicants’ essays and recommendations. Reviewers say it’s the most impactful volunteer service they have experienced.
Contact: Amy Shapiro • amy.shapiro@greatjobskc.org
GIVE greatjobskc.org/donate
Contact: Laura Cooke • laura.cooke@greatjobskc.org
DONATE greatjobskc.org/donate
Contact: Amy Polen • amy.polen@greatjobskc.org
SPONSOR greatjobskc.org/donate
Contact: Amy Polen • amy.polen@greatjobskc.org
MISSION STATEMENT Helping people move to a better life through hope-filled care, services, and advocacy; calling all those of goodwill to join us.
VOLUNTEER catholiccharities-kcsj.org/volunteer
Volunteer to host a food drive, assist in the food pantry, and help with Outpace Poverty 5K, Hope Ball, Driving for Hope Golf Tournament, and the Christmas Shining Star. Make sure to visit our new home on Longview Road!
Contact: Andrea Milton • 816-659-8205 • volunteers@ccharities.com
GIVE catholiccharities-kcsj.org/amazon-wishlist
Contact: Janine Urness • 816-882-4781 • pantry@ccharities.com
DONATE catholiccharities-kcsj.org/donate
Contact: Jody Breuer • 816-659-8292 • gifts@ccharities.com
MISSION STATEMENT To drive change in our community through innovative programs that promote adoption, outreach and a better life for pets and the people who love them.
VOLUNTEER greatplainsspca.org/volunteer
Visit our website and fill out the volunteer interest form to get started. Current opportunities include dog walkers, helping with laundry, and much more.
Contact: Emily Wallace • 913-808-3373 volunteer@greatplainsspca.org
GIVE greatplainsspca.org/additional-ways-to-give
Contact: Danielle Husted • 913-808-3285 donations@greatplainsspca.org
DONATE greatplainsspca.org/donate
Contact: Danielle Husted • 913-808-3285 donations@greatplainsspca.org
347-570-2725
theiamfoundation.org
MISSION STATEMENT To lead, encourage and motivate at-risk youth and youth in underserved communities to see themselves greater than their circumstances.
VOLUNTEER theiamfoundation.org/i-am-leadership-institute/
Volunteer with the I AM Foundations Leadership Institute and transform lives by mentoring and guiding at-risk youth, shaping their future through leadership and education. Your skills and dedication will ignite change, empowering young leaders to rise above their circumstances.
Contact: Elijah Dormeus • 347-570-2725 • admin@theiamfoundation.org
GIVE theiamfoundation.org/donate/info@theiamfoundation.org
DONATE theiamfoundation.org/donate/info@theiamfoundation.org
SPONSOR theiamfoundation.org/partners/
Contact: Elijah Dormeus • 347-570-2725 • admin@theiamfoundation.org
MISSION STATEMENT To build brighter futures for children and adults with disabilities by providing educational, vocational and therapeutic services.
VOLUNTEER abilitykc.org/volunteer-opportunities-in-kansas-city
Volunteers can assist with Ability KC's adult and pediatric therapeutic day programs, classrooms in the therapeutic preschool, special events, coordinating supply drives, and various administrative tasks.
Contact: Joan Tamburini • 816-751-7932 • joan.tamburini@abilitykc.org
GIVE abilitykc.org/donate-to-ability-kc
Contact: Gemma Zook • 816-751-7932 • gemma.zook@abilitykc.org
DONATE abilitykc.org/give
Contact: Gemma Zook • 816-751-7932 • gemma.zook@abilitykc.org
MISSION STATEMENT Empowering people to discover their potential and adapt for the future through the power of work.
VOLUNTEER mokangoodwill.org/volunteer
Volunteers empower job seekers through activities like mock interviewing and digital skills training. Goodwill also seeks professionals to meet with job seekers about their work and/or host site tours or donation drives.
Contact: Randy Withers • 816-768-2813 • rwithers@mokangoodwill.org
GIVE mokangoodwill.org/donate
Contact: Julius Foster • 816-310-7860 • jfoster@mokangoodwill.org
DONATE mokangoodwill.org/donate
Contact: Karen Altenhofen • 816-721-4194 • kaltenhofen@mokangoodwill.org
MISSION STATEMENT
To connect donors to meaningful opportunities fueled by philanthropy that create a lasting impact in clinical research, medical education, and patient care within Saint Luke’s.
VOLUNTEER saintlukeskc.org/volunteer
Saint Luke’s offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from greeting visitors at the front door to helping patients and families during their visit. With multiple sites, you will be sure to find an opportunity near home.
Contact: Saint Luke’s Hospital KC • 816-932-2183 • slhvolunteer@saintlukeskc.org
GIVE saintlukeskc.org/donate-goods
Contact: Saint Luke’s Foundation • 816-932-2252 • slhf@saintlukeskc.org
DONATE saintlukeskc.org/donate
Contact: Saint Luke’s Foundation • 816-932-2252 • slhf@saintlukeskc.org
MISSION STATEMENT CAPA is committed to preventing and treating all forms of child abuse and neglect by creating changes in individuals, families and society that strengthen relationships and promote healing.
VOLUNTEER capacares.org/volunteer
Individuals and groups can volunteer to help with facility and garden maintenance projects, provide volunteer support at special events, or host/coordinate collection drives for program wish list items.
Contact: Kat Hellige • 816-252-8388 x 313 • khellige@capacares.org
GIVE capacares.org/donate
Contact: Kat Hellige • 816-252-8388 x 313 • khellige@capacares.org
DONATE capacares.org/get-involved
Contact: Amanda Jackson • 816-252-8388 x 313 • ajackson@capacares.org
816-531-5444
gildasclubkc.org
MISSION STATEMENT To uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care …. so everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need throughout their experience.
VOLUNTEER gildasclubkc.org
Volunteers can serve as board members, on event committees, and as greeters for educational workshops and social events. Contact: Amanda Trout • 816-531-5444 amanda@gildasclubkc.org
GIVE gildasclubkc.org
Contact: Humberto Gonzalez • 816-531-5444 info@gildasclubkc.org
DONATE gildasclubkc.org
Contact: Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley • 816-531-5444 siobhan@gildasclubkc.org
MISSION STATEMENT Inspired by Christian faith, Bishop Sullivan Center shows God’s love to people in financial hardship by providing food, help in finding jobs and other aid. Beyond material assistance, Bishop Sullivan Center strives to build relationships between those who live in poverty and those who do not, promoting mutual understanding and affirming the dignity of all.
VOLUNTEER bishopsullivan.org/volunteer
From serving meals, to sorting groceries, to prepping newsletters, baking cookies, or delivering groceries, there are so many ways to serve neighbors in need. Individuals, couples, students, and groups are welcome!
Contact: Hannah Brockway • 816-442-7272 • hannah.brockway@bishopsullivan.org
GIVE bishopsullivan.org/donate
Contact: Hannah Brockway • 816-442-7272 • hannah.brockway@bishopsullivan.org
DONATE bishopsullivan.org/give
Contact: Michelle Carlstedt • 816-231-2971 • michelle.carlstedt@bishopsullivan.org
MISSION STATEMENT Preparing pets and people for the bond of their lives.
VOLUNTEER waysidewaifs.org/get-involved/volunteer
Enrich the lives of homeless animals at Wayside. Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, cat socializing, special event support, office support, and more!
Contact: Lauren Stumbo • 816-986-4431 • volunteer@waysidewaifs.org
GIVE waysidewaifs.org/donate_or/wish-list
Contact: Casey Waugh • 816-986-4417 • cwaugh@waysidewaifs.org
DONATE waysidewaifs.org/donate
Contact: Erin McNamara • 816-986-4419 • emcnamara@waysidewaifs.org
SPONSOR waysidewaifs.org/get-involved/event-home
Contact: Emily Sanger • 816-986-4409 • esanger@waysidewaifs.org 816-761-8151
MISSION STATEMENT SACRED provides immediate financial assistance to families in need due to the sexual abuse of a child or children.
VOLUNTEER kidsaresacred.org
Volunteer individually or organize employee or community groups to help with our signature event, SACRED Gala and Auction, or at community fairs and outreach. Get involved today!
GIVE kidsaresacred.org/contact-us DONATE kidsaresacred.org/donate Contact: Gina McCord • 913-204-0158 • gina@kidsaresacred.org
MISSION STATEMENT To enhance health outcomes in Wyandotte County through informing, collaborating, aligning, mobilizing, and activating organizations, government entities and community members. Over time, the intersectionality of our work has led to providing services across the Greater Kansas City metro area, with our focus still on Wyandotte County.
VOLUNTEER wycohealth.com Opportunities include operations/administrative volunteers, direct service, fundraising, community organizing, event support, education, and more.
wycohealth.com Contact: Heather Simmons • 913-361-7823 • hsimmons@wycohealth.com
campencourage.org
MISSION STATEMENT To provide youth on the autism spectrum meaningful experiences in which they build the knowledge, courage, and skills to be empowered participants in the community.
VOLUNTEER campencourage.org/volunteer
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year, including assisting in the office, helping at events, or serving as a Camp Counselor during overnight camps.
Contact: Kristi Loftus • 816-830-7171 • kloftus@campencourage.org
GIVE campencourage.org/donate
Contact: Kelly Lee • 816-830-7171 • klee@campencourage.org
DONATE campencourage.org/donate
Contact: Kelly Lee • 816-830-7171 • klee@campencourage.org
816-931-2232 kcballet.org
MISSION STATEMENT To inspire and engage through the beauty, power and passion of dance.
VOLUNTEER kcballet.org/volunteer
Assist in the Nutcracker Boutique during Nutcracker performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, or invite Ballet staff members to speak at a civic organization meeting. Contact: Grace Ingham • 816-216-5589 volunteer@kcballet.org
GIVE kcballet.org/donate
Contact: Jennifer Wampler • 816-216-5585 jwampler@kcballet.org
DONATE kcballet.org/donate
Contact: Jennifer Wampler • 816-216-5585 jwampler@kcballet.org
913-633-8331 hopekids.org
MISSION STATEMENT To provide ongoing events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition.
VOLUNTEER hopekids.org/volunteer
HopeKids KC utilizes volunteers to help staff our more than 300 events each year. Volunteers support events such as craft and game nights, princess parties, bingo nights, and personal shoppers at our Christmas Market.
Contact: Ashley Williams • 816-372-0311 • ashley@hopekids.org
GIVE hopekids.org/get-involved
Contact: Courtney Gilmore • 816-663-0807 courtney@hopekids.org
DONATE hopekids.org/donate
Contact: Abigail Swafford • 913-633-8331 abigail@hopekids.org
MISSION STATEMENT Job One builds skills and connections to create employment opportunities and meaningful days for adults with disabilities.
VOLUNTEER jobonekc.org/ways-to-support
GIVE jobonekc.org/ways-to-support
DONATE Venmo: @Job-One (please be sure to include your name and email in the message for a receipt).
Contact: Rebeca Swank • 816-905-6104 • rswank@jobonekc.org
