Independence Civic Clubs Collecting Canned Goods

Summer typically stresses the supplies of local food pantries as vacations disrupt donation cycles and requests increase with children eating more meals at home. In Independence, civic clubs are addressing this serious issue, but having a little fun, too.

For the second year, Independence civic clubs have challenged each other to see which club can collect the most non-perishable food items per member.  Last year the Independence Kiwanis Club topped 10 other organizations by donating 1,134 pounds of food.

The civic club can challenge grew out of discussions at Independence's Hungry and Homeless Coalition. The coalition is an informal gathering of staff and volunteers from city departments, school districts, religious congregations, social services agencies, and other concerned organizations and institutions.

This year's competition began with a kick-off June 19 where the clubs heard stories of hunger in Independence from families and food pantry volunteers. On August 14, the donations will be  received at the Salvation Army on Truman Road and then dispersed to community and church pantries.

For more information: Macha Greenleaf-Maple, Independence School District,  (816) 521-5599 ext. 10036