For the third straight year, Community Builders of Kansas City donated approximately 600 turkeys to area residents. To complement the turkeys, Harvesters donated meal kits with all the fixings to complete the Thanksgiving meal. In addition, attendees had access to flu and covid vaccines, free books and Bombas socks. Recipients were especially appreciative this year as they turned out to the event at Friendship Baptist Church, 3530 Chelsea Drive. In total, 593 adults including 89 seniors, 498 children and 340 households were served.

Honorary chairpersons Jackson County Executive Frank White and Teresa White and special guest Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II were on hand to deliver remarks. Community partners included A. Philip Randolph Institute, Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, Greater Kansas City Building & Construction Trades Council, Harvesters, LM2 Construction & Consulting, Murrell Homes, State Sen. Barbara Anne Washington, University Health, Walgreens and Community Builders of Kansas City/EastPointe Realty staff members.

“CBKC is immensely grateful to our partners without whose help this important community initiative could not have taken place,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., CKBC president and CEO. 

In December, CBKC hosted the second annual Soul of Santa Christmas Tree Lighting at The Shops on Blue Parkway. The Soul of Santa’s tree lighting is an inclusive family-oriented holiday event for underserved communities. 

The event kicked off Friday, Dec. 9, with Christmas carols followed by a spectacular tree lighting. In addition, free hats, mittens and scarves were given out and Elexa Pierson of CBKC, extended holiday wishes. The family fun continued Saturday morning with a free hot breakfast, Santa letter-writing, book readings and a special Christmas gift just for the little ones. Thank you to The Soul of Santa for bringing its festive holiday event to Blue Parkway.

We wish all our friends and family the merriest of Christmases, happy holidays and a joyous New Year.