Assistance League of K.C. celebrates 25 years

By Jeffrey M. Salem

Its mission is as simple as it is broad.

“We have a motto, ‘Together … Making our Community Better,’” said Bonny Roney, president of Assistance League of Kansas City.

The league, a nonprofit 501c3 and a chapter of the National Assistance League, has offered a wide range of services for Clay and Platte counties for more than 25 years, a mark reached on April 27. It became a guild on course for chapter status on April 27, 1983, and members recently held a party to reflect upon their years of service and even received a proclamation by Gladstone Mayor Mark Revenaugh.

The 252-member group, with no paid staffers, offers almost too many services to mention. Although its finances appear sound — the league received more than $275,000 in donations, grants and revenue from provided services from June 2007 to March 2008, according to Treasurer Faye Ann Roberts — Roney said the group is always looking for volunteers and donations.

“We want both,” she said when asked which was needed more. “Volunteerism is kind of taking a hit today, and the needs are growing greater and the cost is getting greater.”

To put the cost problem in perspective, take the league’s most well-known project, Operation School Bell. It allows for elementary school children from six school districts in the two counties to be outfitted with brand new winter clothing if a school counselor recommends the child for the program. Every child receives two shirts, two bottoms, a health care kit, a shoe voucher and a gift certificate to the Assistance League’s ReSale Shop, at 6257 N. Oak Trafficway. Because all of the clothing is brand new, the cost per child to the league is $85 — not exactly cheap, Roney said. It costs about $100,000 per year to complete, Roney said. Since the program began in 1992, more than 10,000 children have benefited from Operation School Bell.

Roney said there have been discussions to expand Operation School Bell to summer clothes and offer the program to middle schools in the two counties, but it would not be cost effective right now.

About half of the Assistance League’s money comes from its Resale Shop, which is operated by volunteer members. The shop sells donated clothing at reduced prices. As with all of the group’s services, 65 percent of the money raised goes back to the community. The other 35 percent goes toward expenses.

With so many programs ongoing, Roney said those looking to donate are welcome to choose which program their money goes toward.

“It happens all the time,” she said. “Actually, most people name where they want their funds to go.”

Visit alkc.org for a list of services or call 453-6011 to donate.

How to help the Assistance League of Kansas City:

For a list of services or to learn how to donate, visit alkc.org or call 453-6011.

The ReSale Shop accepts clothing donations at 6257 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, 455-4485.

Staff writer Jeffrey M. Salem can be reached at 389-6653 or jeffsalem@npgco.com.