The Importance Of Giving Back: 5 Ways To Make a Difference

We all understand the importance of giving back to others…

But determining how to make a difference can be hard. 

So, we gathered 6 ideas for how to make a difference in Kansas City (big & small)

 

How to Make a Difference in Kansas City

You can also explore 60 acts of Holiday kindness to get in the holiday spirit this year…

#1 Volunteer Your Time

There are no shortages of opportunities to volunteer in Kansas City. There are many metro area organizations you can give back to that will directly impact your neighbors.

Here are three ways our family likes to give back right here in the metro:

• Hospitals – There are many ways high school and college students as well as adults here in the metro area can volunteer time at Children’s Mercy, but one of my personal favorites is the opportunity to host a Wednesday Night Live, where you and eight or nine of your friends can get together and provide entertainment for CMH patients.

• Diaper Bank – Diapering children is expensive and it’s a need that isn’t covered by social programs. Check out Happy Bottoms, a diaper bank in Kansas City!

• Food Bank – There are several opportunities for volunteering in the warehouse of our local food bank that collects non-perishable items to distribute to families in need. You can spend time organizing, sorting, and packaging items that will go out into the community.

 

#2 Help International Military Families

The International Military Sponsorship Program is designed to give foreign officers some companions to make their year at Fort Leavenworth a little bit easier. Each officer involved in the program is provided with a Kansas City Area Sponsor, a Leavenworth Area Sponsor and a Fort Leavenworth Sponsor.

What does the program entail?

As a sponsor, you help them get acquainted with your sponsor area, socialize with them and assist them with important services and needs if they have not set it up already. They may need assistance setting up a bank account, obtaining a cell phone, obtaining furniture for housing, getting a car, choosing a school for their child and so on.

Other services you can provide to them can include introducing them to area events, fun activities, joining them at military social engagements, sharing holidays and traditions and helping them to make new contacts.

The sponsorship web page states that “Sponsorship” does not involve financial support, but does include the commitment to develop and nurture a personal relationship with officers and their families. Simply put, sponsorship is spending time with officers as their time allows and extending hospitality to their families.

I encourage you to help sponsor this coming Spring or Summer. Be sure to get your application in early if you have a preference for a particular country. Applications and requests are first come, first serve.

How can you get involved?

Go online to learn more information on becoming an International Sponsor.

Becoming a member of the Greater Kansas City People to People Program is free and only takes a bit of your time to get started. Once you’re a sponsor and assigned to an officer, you will have an orientation meeting to discuss your responsibilities & make plans!

 

#3 Donate Your Things

Make a difference by decluttering your home or finding unused things! You can donate gently-used items, clothing, small appliances and electronics to organizations that own and operate local thrift shops in Kansas City.

Not only does this help us keep the clutter at bay, it also benefits the community as well. 

If you’ve got the extra time to spare and are feeling up to the task, you can host a garage sale! The extra income gives you the opportunity to make a difference right here at home.

By donating some or all of the garage sale money to local organizations, you can directly impact children here in KC.

 

#4 Ask for Donations Instead of Gifts

As parents with young children, there always seems to be an occasion where we’re either giving or receiving gifts. Ask your friends and family to donate or give items in your honor at your next event. Here are a few ideas:

• Birthday parties are a great time to collect new toys, books, and games for organizations that impact kids in need. Children’s Mercy Hospital accepts brand new items year round for patients staying at the hospital and your family will have the opportunity to help support an incredible cause you can feel good about.

• Baby showers are another great opportunity to help give back to the community. Ask guests to bring an extra package of diapers, wipes or other baby items to donate to a local shelter that will help support local women and children here in Kansas City. Or, donate them to Happy Bottoms!

• Holiday Meals provide the ideal time to ask friends and family to bring non-perishable pantry items to donate to a local organization or shelter that will directly impact the community. Larger organizations have boxes and barrels you can pick up, fill and bring back making the process very easy.

 

#5 Be Giving of your Night Out

Date nights are such an important part of maintaining a healthy marriage when you’re parenting…

Attending special events and fundraisers not only provides you with a fun evening out with your significant other but also makes a difference in our local community.

So, be giving of your night out by attending special fundraising activities around the metro & supporting incredible organizations around town. There are great fundraising events, like the Bubble Ball for Make a Wish, that support a fantastic cause!

 

#6 Make Dinner for Another Family

If you know of any local families who are going through a hard time, cook a meal for them. 

This small gesture can go a long way in making a difference for their family. You can also volunteer at places like NourishKC, a restaurant serving the less fortunate. 

If we all do what we can, with what we have, we can make a huge difference in our little corner of the world. 

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From our family to yours, iFamilyKC