“The Open House gives our staff the opportunity to say thank you to the community for their help in making the holidays a joyful occasion for working-poor and homeless families in the metro area.” —Daniel J. Doty

    Church and business groups and individuals of all ages are invited to collect Christmas gifts for City Union Mission’s Christmas store—where homeless or at-risk men, women and children from the Kansas City community will later shop for their families at no cost.  The items can be dropped off at the Mission’s Family Center during an Open House on Saturday, December 5, or weekdays through December 14.

    “The Open House gives our staff an opportunity to say thank you to the community for their help in making the holidays a joyful occasion for working-poor and homeless families in the metro area,” said Daniel J. Doty, the Mission’s executive director.  “As you can imagine, many parents wonder how they’ll provide gifts for their kids when they’re already struggling just to put food on the table.  Our Christmas store means they won’t be forced to disappoint their children—or their spouses, for that matter, as we’ll collect gifts for adults, as well.”

    Last year, donations to the Christmas store enabled the Mission to provide 15,260 gifts to 3,080 men, women and children in nearly 500 families.

    The Open House, which runs from 9 am to 1 pm at the Mission’s Family Center at 1310 Wabash, will include tours of the Christmas store and family shelter.  Doty says gifts needed for the Christmas store include sweaters, jeans and pajamas for men, women and children of all sizes; bath towels, blankets and sheet sets; and small household appliances.  Groups and individuals who plan to participate can also call Dena at (816) 474-9380 ext 1423 to select a representative family and receive a list of recommended items or click on the Mission Christmas button on the right for all the details.