Give A Little, Get A Lot ~ Some Local Charities Serving Women and Children

by Andrea Ways-Newman

Operation Breakthrough * 3039 Troost
~~Operation Breakthrough's mission is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment. The center also strives to support and empower the children's families through advocacy, referral services and emergency aid. They serve the inner city of Kansas City Missouri, including day care, meals, Children's Mercy Clinic, dental clinic, speech therapy, play therapy, housing assistance, food and clothing, and social services. Needs: Any items for children, esp. food, diapers, and pants size 2T/3T (extras for potty training children). Drop off donations Mon-Fri from 6am-6pm (but 9am-4pm is best). For questions about other donations.

Broadway United Methodist Church (Foster Children Clothes Closet) * 406 W. 74th St. (blue awning)
~~Some of the children are put into state care with nothing but the clothes on their backs.Broadway United Methodist Church serves to assist the foster parents generous enough to take in these children with their Clothes Closet. Parents are given two complete outfits for each foster child. Needs: New and nearly new clothing, shoes, undergarments, uniforms, outerwear* esp. boys clothing sizes 4-10! To donate items other than clothing (un-opened formula, diapers, car seats, etc.).

Women*s Employment Network * 720 Oak, 2nd Floor
~~Women*s Employment Network assists women in raising their self-esteem and achieving economic independence through sustained employment. WEN maintains a clothing bank of donated professional business attire for our graduates. The Clothing Bank is designed to help build confidence and provide appropriate clothing for WEN graduates to wear to interviews and in the workplace. Needs: Women's professional attire (including hosiery, shoes, and accessories) esp. plus-sizes! For complete information on donations and drop-off, please go to www.kcwen.org or call 816-822-8083.

Womenade
~~For a fun and philanthropic GIRLS* NIGHT OUT, consider joining KC Womenade. We bring a dish, listen to a speaker, and donate what we would have spent on a girls* night out. Enjoy yummy food, wonderful conversation and learn more about the great work being done in our community! We meet quarterly in each others* homes. Very casual, no commitment required. For more information.