KCKidsFun

This has become an annual post for us; and each year, there seems to be yet another agency we learn about that exists solely to help others.  The holiday season is especially stressful when considered against the backdrop of the current economic situation.  Teaching our kids the importance of giving back to the community and helping the less fortunate should be an ongoing process–not just one reserved for November and December.

That being said, we thought we’d offer some suggestions for kid-friendly volunteering opportunities. Remember–it doesn’t have to be about money–it’s giving your TIME and ENERGY that matters! These are life lessons that your children will never forget, and volunteering can become something the whole family looks forward to doing together–all through the year!

• Johnson County Christmas Bureau- As a non-profit 501(C)(3), non-denominational organization and a United Way ’safety net’ agency, the Johnson County Christmas Bureau (JCCB) serves the needs of low-income families of Johnson County, KS. Groceries, personal care items, children’s clothing, adult and teen gifts, toys, hats, gloves, scarves, books and coats are made available for client selection at our annual Holiday Shop held in December. All items are new with the exception of gently worn coats and books. JCCB provides the opportunity for over 12,500 qualified clients (3,350 families) to shop by appointment and select food and gifts for the holiday season.  Families can volunteer to work at the holiday shop, or you can help by donating items.

• The Salvation Army Bell Ringing is what many associate with the holidays. The best part about this is that the money collected in the kettles stays right HERE in the KC metro. I just signed up for my 6th annual stint as a bell ringer at my neighborhood grocery store. Bundle up the whole family and enjoy a great time together.  The 2 hours fly by and it’s such a great experience.

• Check out the Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater KC. YVC organizes youth and family helpers at Harvesters, the city’s largest food bank. Your help is needed sorting and boxing donated food! It’s no news that food banks are running dangerously low now…some are even forced to close their doors. You might consider a small neighborhood or classroom food drive…and then deliver the food to Harvesters on the day you choose to volunteer. Location: 3801 Topping Ave., KCMO 816.929.3000

• Adopt a family through Don Bosco Centers’ Holiday Friends! This is such a great project for a family or neighborhood to take on. Holiday Friends is a fundraising program which benefits the clients of the Don Bosco Centers.  You can get specific names, ages and sizes for a family in need and can even personally deliver your gifts. This really shows us the true meaning of the holiday season! Your kids will never forget it. For more information, call the Holiday Friends Hotline at 816-691-2906 or visit www.donbosco.org.

• Check out www.VolunteerMatch.org. The site features loads of volunteer opportunities, and you can organize your results by Distance, Event Date and even Date Posted. While not all are kid-specific opportunities, you might find something suitable for the whole family or just for you!

• Operation Breakthrough. Operation Breakthrough- St. Vincent’s Family Service Center is located at 30th and Troost in KCMO. According to their website, volunteers range from ages 8-80 and do everything from “rocking babies to tutoring parents for the GED exam.” They also have an adopt-a-family Christmas program, similar to Don Bosco Center’s. The children who receive Christmas aid all come from low-income families. Some are homeless, many reside in foster care and most attend Operation Breakthrough’s day care program or are alumni.  Please help!

• Brighten someone’s day with a little artistic cheer… you can do something as simple as having your child(ren) draw some holiday-themed pictures; use glue, markers, construction paper, glitter, etc. Take your creations to a nearby nursing home or to Children’s Mercy Hospital near Crown Center or Children’s Mercy South at I-435 and Nall. You’ll be glad you did!

• City Union Mission– You can go in with family, friends or coworkers to adopt a family for the holidays through City Union Mission, too. Please remember that families need our help year-round…not just at the holidays. Click here for a list of inexpensive, everyday items which you could collect and deliver to the Mission any day of the year.

• Is there an agency that is near and dear to your heart?  Why not carve out a few extra hours from your weekly schedule and help out? Schools, nursing homes, not-for-profits, food banks, thrift stores, community centers…all are feeling the effects of the economy and would gladly accept your gift of time!

Please feel free to submit any additional kid and family-friendly volunteer opportunities. We would be happy to post them!

*image courtesy of Johnson County Christmas Bureau

Wow, there’s lots to do in Kansas City this weekend.  Even though Halloween doesn’t fall on the weekend, it is jam-packed with all things Halloween!  If you and your kiddos do even half the stuff on this list…by the time Monday rolls around, you might end up handing out a few pieces of candy and calling it a night.

Don’t forget to check out our previous post on Trunk or Treats…there are some good ones on there!  Have a wonderful holiday, have a safe night(s), and don’t forget to savor each and every bite of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!!!

Thursday, October 27, 2011:

• Christian Youth Theater presents AIDA, Thursday, October 27 – Sunday, October 30 at The Bell Center, Mid America Nazarene University, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS 66062. Ticket prices: $10 adults; $8 students 12 and under, Senior Citizens and groups of 10 or more. For more information: www.cytkc.org.

Friday, October 28, 2011:

• Trunk-or-Treat in parking lot of M&I Bank in Shawnee, 4-6pm. Sponsored by more than 35 Shawnee businesses and restaurants. The Police and Fire Departments will be there promoting lessons in safety.Also collecting canned goods to benefit the Harvesters Community Food Network. *In the event of inclement weather, event will be moved inside.
• Night of the Living Farm – Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Overland Park – October 21 & 22, October 28 & 29 – 6pm to 9pm – $8 in advance, $10 at the door
• Friday Night Ghost Tours on Independence Square – At 7, 8, or 9 pm, tour 1859 Jail, wagon ride, ghost stories. Limited to 15 with advance reservations. Call 461-0065. Location: Historic Independence Square, Main, Lexington, Liberty & Maple
• Enchanted Forest at George Owens Nature Park, Independence, MO – Non-scary Halloween event, storybook characters and hayride. $3. (816) 325-7370.
• Christian Youth Theater presents AIDA, Thursday, October 27 – Sunday, October 30 at The Bell Center, Mid America Nazarene University, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS 66062. Ticket prices: $10 adults; $8 students 12 and under, Senior Citizens and groups of 10 or more. For more information: www.cytkc.org.

Saturday, October 29, 2011:

• Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk! One mile walk around Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City Chiefs players will cheer walkers on. Food and drink included with registration fee. Entertainment for all ages to include face painting, clowns, pony rides, moon walks and other inflatables, balloon artists, carnival games, Radio Disney, dancing, KC Wolf and more! Free parking in Lot D. Register today –www.stepupfordownsyndromekc.org
• October at the Zoo – hayrides, treasure maps, Haunted Valley, spooky animal shows, special character guests and more
• Mildale Farm Fall Fest at Mildale Farm, 35250 W. 199th St., Edgerton, Kansas – Free public event. Visitors can explore and picnic on the 158-acre site including the 22-acre rental property as well as about 136 acres of future park land. Explore Mildale Farm’s main barn which features peg construction and a hand-laid brick floor. Nearby you’ll find cider and hot cocoa and a large pumpkin patch. A tractor-drawn shuttle will take you to a fire circle for roasting marshmallows and enjoying a storyteller. There will also be guided nature walks and horse-drawn hayrides. Catch-and-release fishing in any or all of seven ponds within the 158-acre area will also be offered, so bring your own bait and tackle. While District fishing permits have been waived for this event, anglers 16 and older will still need to have a valid Kansas fishing license. Restrooms will be available, but the property’s two homes and other outbuildings will not be open during this event. Remember, no alcohol is allowed, pets must be on-leash, and vehicles must remain on roadways. For more information, call (913) 831-3355.
• Night of the Living Farm – Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Overland Park – October 21 & 22, October 28 & 29 – 6pm to 9pm – $8 in advance, $10 at the door
• Join us for a FREE Trunk or Treat from 2-4pm. We will have, candy, games, prizes, and of course more candy! At 3:00 there will be a costume contest, please keep costumes kid appropriate. Antioch Community Church is located at 4805 NE Antioch Rd, KC, MO 64119. Visit ACCKC.ORG for more info. In case of inclement weather this event will be held indoors.
• Reflection Point, workshop at Kemper Museum (KCMO) – Students will look at the reflective works of June Aherns with artist
  Cory Imig and discuss how different materials communicate different ideas. Students will then make a work of art using a variety of nontraditional materials.
• Spooktacular Zoofari Overnight – Come dressed in your favorite costume and celebrate a kid-friendly Halloween, Zoo style, on Saturday, October 29 from 4 p.m. and ending at 8:30 a.m on Sunday, October 30. Enjoy all of the awesome Boo at the Zoo activities until 6 p.m. and then stay overnight for more spooktacular fun! Overnight activities include: zoo admission, themed activities, up-close encoutners with animals, tours, climate-controlled sleeping areas, dinner and breakfast. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Education at 816.513.5723 or visit www.kansascityzoo.org for more information.
• Christian Youth Theater presents AIDA, Thursday, October 27 – Sunday, October 30 at The Bell Center, Mid America Nazarene University, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS 66062. Ticket prices: $10 adults; $8 students 12 and under, Senior Citizens and groups of 10 or more. For more information: www.cytkc.org.
• Trick or Treat Off the Street at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm, Olathe, KS – 4-6 p.m. Trick or treat on the Mahaffie grounds. $3/person, ages 3 and up. No registration required. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm, 1200 Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS 66061; (913) 971-5111; www.mahaffie.org
• Enchanted Forest at George Owens Nature Park, Independence, MO – Non-scary Halloween event, storybook characters and hayride. $3. (816) 325-7370.

Sunday, October 30, 2011:

• Safe Trick-Or-Treating at Independence Center – 4pm to 6pm – Mall Wide
• Christian Youth Theater presents AIDA, Thursday, October 27 – Sunday, October 30 at The Bell Center, Mid America Nazarene University, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS 66062. Ticket prices: $10 adults; $8 students 12 and under, Senior Citizens and groups of 10 or more. For more information: www.cytkc.org.
• Trunk-or-Treat at Briarcliff Village- from 3-5pm at Briarcliff Village (Kansas City north). It will be a safe and fun environment for children under 12 to enjoy Halloween festivities!
• October at the Zoo – hayrides, treasure maps, Haunted Valley, spooky animal shows, special character guests and more

Monday, October 31 (HALLOWEEN!)

• Halloween Event at Independence Center – 5:30pm – 7:30pm Price: Free to Kidgits Club members. Membership is $5 per child for a full year. Ages: 0-8 Location: Food Court Description: Kidgits Club members join us for our Halloween event on Monday Oct 31st between 5:30pm and 7:30pm! Radio Disney will be providing games, music, giveaways and LOTS OF FUN! Not a Kidgits Club member? Join for only $5 per year. Visitwww.simon.com/kidgits or Independence Center Guest Services for more info. All giveaways while supplies last.
• Trunk or Treat from 5 to 8pm. Alcott Arts Center, 180 S. 18th st. Kansas City, Kansas 66102 913.233.2787
• Halloween Snack and a Story Event at Englewood Hy-Vee, 207 NE Englewood, KCMO – 10am to 11am – bring your small toddler/preschool age children to hear a “spooky” Halloween story and enjoy healthy Halloween snacks. This event will be located in the upstairs conference room. Costumes are optional! Children ages 5 and younger with parent or guardian. Please sign up advance by calling Keli at 816-286-4381 Cost: $5/child

Thanks to all who entered our latest contest. The entries are in…the two lucky winners have been randomly selected…and they are:

• TOM TYSVER
• LONNA HILL

Congratulations!  What a great haul– Tom and Lonna will each receive 4 tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba Live!  It’s Time to Dance Show! The show is at 2pm on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Music Hall in Kansas City.

I’ll send the winners private emails with redemption instructions.  Thanks to everyone who played along and gave the rest of us some AMAZING ideas for enjoying these beautiful fall days in KC!