Summer McCowen came up with a unique way to help the poor and homeless in Kansas City.  Instead of receiving presents for her birthday she took up a collection and then purchased gifts to give to homeless kids staying at City Union Mission’s shelter.  “I am 9 years old.  I had a missionary birthday because it feels better to give to the needy than to receive.  It's what the Lord would want me to do.  These kids might not otherwise receive anything at Christmas.  I hope the kids liked their presents,” said Summer.

 
”This child is an amazing inspiration.  We are grateful to her and to her parents for teaching her the value of caring about the poor.  God says a lot of things in Scripture about wanting us to care for those who have little.  Her life is a good example for others,” said Lorraine Minor, Associate Executive Director of Programs & Administration.

City Union Mission’s Christmas Presence of Love store allows for income-qualified moms and dads to “shop” (pick out gifts) for each of their family members.  The gifts come from donations like this child’s.  Volunteers wrap the gifts and put them in big red bags with their name and address on the outside. And then they are distributed to the families on Christmas Eve.  Over 3000 people were served this year!

To read more about City Union Mission’s Christmas Presence of Love, please click here.

For other ways to partner with City Union Mission, please click here.

You are God’s Plan for the Poor & Homeless!