We’re excited to take that first step with you!Each month, look forward to a success story from a local nonprofit and a list of ways you can get involved in our community in Miami County, Kansas City, and the surrounding areas.From volunteering opportunities and social events to concerts and family-friendly activities, there’s something waiting for you.
But this isn’t just a one-way street—we want to hear from you!Share your ideas, feedback, and how you think we can improve our community together. Thank you for joining us; honestly, we can’t wait to hear from you!
Events of the Month – July/August 2024🗓️🗓️🗓️
| 1. Deliver Health and Hope to the World with Project C.U.R.E. |
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| Date: July onwards. Description: Project C.U.R.E. is dedicated to providing essential medical supplies and equipment to underserved communities worldwide. Volunteers are needed to help sort, pack, and prepare these supplies for shipment to hospitals and clinics globally. Tasks include organizing warehouse inventory, sorting medical supplies, supporting administrative efforts, and loading containers. |
| 2. Macramé Keychains with Louisburg Library |
| Dates: August 23, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Louisburg Senior Center, LouisburgDiscover the ancient art of knot tying and create your own Macramé Keychain.Registration: Be sure to register by August 16. Sign Up /louisburglibrary/images/ExploreWebsiteImages2024.png) |
| 3. Music Bingo and Believe-Illuminating Hope |
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| Join Hope House for this incredible events aimed at supporting domestic violence survivors and raising awareness about their mission to end abuse. |
| 🥂 Believe-Illuminating Hope GalaDate: August 3, 2024 Location: Loew’s Hotel Kansas CityExperience an evening of courage, hope, and empowerment at the Believe-Illuminating Hope Gala. This event will shed light on the resilience of domestic violence survivors and raise funds to support Hope House’s mission. |
| Join Hope House for this incredible events aimed at supporting domestic violence survivors and raising awareness about their mission to end abuse. |
| 4. Safeguard Wildlife with Cedar Cove Wildlife Conservation |
| Cedar Cove Wildlife Conservation is non-profit sanctuary in Louisburg, KS, and educational center nestled in the heart of Miami County. It’s dedicated to the care and preservation of animals at risk of extinction. |
Visit Cedar Cove: Cedar Cove is open for guided tours every weekend, offering a wonderful way to spend a summer weekend with your family while learning about wildlife conservation.
Weekend tours start every half hour from 11 AM to 1:30 PM, with public feedings viewable at 2 PM. Private tours are available on weekdays by appointment.
How to Volunteer: Visit the Cedar Cove volunteer page. There are a variety of roles available, such as animal care, tour guide, hospitality, and groundskeeping.
More Info: Check out their amazing feline pictures on Facebook!
| 5. 22nd Annual Head for the Cure 5K – Kansas City |
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| Date: August 25, 2024 Time: 8:00 AM Location: Overland ParkJoin the 22nd Annual Head for the Cure 5K – Kansas City to support brain cancer survivors and caregivers, and to fund vital research and programs.Event Details:Sunday, August 25, 2024:7:00 AM: Packet Pick-Up & Event Begins8:00 AM: 5K Run/Walk Begins9:15 AM: Kids Fun Run9:30 AM: Program and Special Recognitions, followed by Race AwardsFunds raised will benefit the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Solace House, the Children’s Brain Tumor Project, Brains for the Cure, and other national brain cancer programs, education, and initiatives. |
| Register |
| 6. WeCode KC Coding Classes |
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| WeCode KC offers Ongoing FREE Coding Classes and workshops during the summer. These sessions cover topics such as programming languages, hardware assembly, and app development. The goal? Students gain valuable skills, mentors provide essential guidance, and the community strengthens its future workforce. A true team effort!Learn more about the schedule and sign-up options at WeCode KC. |
| Learn more |
| 7. Park Place Summer Concert Series |
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| Date: Every Saturday in AugustTime: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CST)Location: Barkley Square, 11565 Ash St.Bring your friends and family to the hottest concerts of the summer! Park Place is thrilled to present a spectacular line-up that has something for everyone. Whether you love funk, pop, 80s, classic rock, hip hop, or tribute bands, the party happens right here.Concert Details: FREE admission & Dog-friendly.Concert Series Line-up:August 3: Perpetual Change – 80s & 90s favoritesAugust 10: The Phil Collins ExperienceAugust 17: Stolen Winnebagos – Diverse range of hits including classic rock, new wave, grunge, and hip hopAugust 24: Blondage & Lone Jett – Blondie & Joan Jett tribute bandsAugust 31: The Whips – Popular young funk group with covers and original songs |
| Find out more |
Did any of these events pique your interest?
If so, join in and let us know how it went! We’d love to see your photos and hear your stories. 🩵 Maybe one of these activities will inspire you to get more involved and support the growth and charitable work in our community.
At MICOCF, we’re committed to improving the quality of life in Miami County through charitable giving. If you’d like to support our mission and contribute to the community, consider making a donation.
And now, enjoy the story of the month!
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| Story of the Month: The Creation of Harvesters – The Community Food NetworkIn the late 1970s, Kansas City faced a paradox: nutritious food was wasted while many residents struggled with hunger. Local grocery stores discarded food nearing its “sell by” date, with no system to redirect it to those in need. In response, a coalition of business leaders, faith leaders, and social service agencies founded Harvesters – The Community Food Network in February 1979.Starting from a donated space, Harvesters distributed 155,000 pounds of food in just eight months, serving five counties. |
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| 🌾🌾 “Harvesters mobilizes the power of our community to create equitable access to nutritious food and address the root causes and impact of hunger.” 🌾🌾Throughout the 1980s, Harvesters expanded, moving to larger facilities, and launching programs like the protein purchase plan and food drives. By 1989, they had distributed one million pounds of food and initiated the food rescue program, recovering excess food from restaurants and cafeterias.The 1990s saw further growth, with Harvesters serving thirteen counties and distributing over 14 million pounds of food annually. In the 2000s, they launched the Harvesters Express online ordering system, the BackSnack program for elementary students, and Senior Mobile Pantries.In 2011, Harvesters was named Feeding America’s Food Bank of the Year. They expanded their infrastructure and introduced the school pantry program, distributing over 50 million pounds of food in a single year by the decade’s end.During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Harvesters met unprecedented demand, distributing a record 65.9 million pounds of food and raising $23 million in donations. Such an incredible story of community strength, don’t you think? 😉 |
🫴 Every little bit counts! Reach out to us and make a difference.
Thank you for staying connected with us! Your engagement and support mean the world to us.
Wishing you a splendid July,
The MICOCF Family
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Contact Us
For any inquiries or further information, please reach out to us:
- Email: info@micocf.org
- Phone: (913) 245 0050
Address: 702 Baptiste Dr Paola, KS 66071, USA
Next issue: our welcome to Tammy Booe