Month: January 2025

woman reading book to toddler
Donate

Accepting Children’s Picture Books

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Did you know we offer free books to kids who come through our shelter every week?

And they sure do take them! The shelf is starting to get bare!

Did you know: School-age children spend 80% of their waking hours outside of school, but 61% of families in under-resourced neighborhoods have no books for the children in their homes.  Children who read proficiently by third grade will be more successful in school and life. 

The FUUD Pantry at SMUUCh collects gently used books of all kinds to ensure every family that visits can take books home.

It’s time for another book collection. Our volunteer Jamie helps us organize collection. We offer multiple ways for you to donate — it doesn’t just have to be

Here are Jamie’s official how tos for getting more books for our shelves.

3 Ways to Support the FUUD Pantry Book Drive

  1. Donate gently used picture books!
  2. Donate used books of any type – Jamie will trade them in for kids’ and youth books!
  3. Organize your own book drive in your neighborhood or school! Create a flyer (or request one from us!) and send it to friends, neighbors, scout troops etc. We can help with the pick up! (See below)
Donate childrens books Lenexa Kansas City food pantry
We need more picture books please!

How, When & Where to Donate

  • Sundays – Between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – in the FUUD Pantry donation bin outside the SMUUCh church office
  • Tuesdays – 2-6 p.m. at the FUUD Pantry
  • Wednesdays – 5-7 p.m. – in the FUUD Pantry donation bin outside the SMUUCh church office
  • Organize a Pick up – Do you live nearby? To arrange a volunteer pick up, please email me. 

Prefer to make a monetary donation? 

Make checks out to SMUUCh with “FUUD Pantry Books” in the memo line. 

Checks can be mailed to:

SMUUCh FUUD PANTRY
c/o Shawnee Mission UU Church
9400 Pflumm Ave
Lenexa, Kansas 66215

Education

5 Ways Your Resolutions Can Fight Hunger in 2025

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Combating Food Insecurity in Johnson County, KS

What did you resolve to do at the start of the new year?

During this time of reflection and renewal, many of us set new goals and commit to making a positive impact on the world. If one of your resolutions for 2025 is to give back to your community, consider these five ways to make a difference combating food insecurity in Johnson County, KS:

1. Resolve to Share:

  • Host a food drive at your next gathering: birthday party, game night, book club meeting, etc. Encourage guests to bring non-perishable food items instead of gifts. You can drop the items off at the FUUD Pantry Tuesday afternoons or Sunday mornings.
  • Organize a fundraiser for the pantry among friends and family.
  • Consider collecting donations of personal hygiene items, which are often in high demand at food pantries.

2. Resolve to Advocate:

  • Stay informed about food insecurity issues in Johnson County and the Kansas City metro area.
  • Contact your local elected officials to express your support for policies that address the root causes of poverty, such as access to affordable housing, living wages, and quality healthcare.
  • Attend a local city council meeting or participate in a community forum to learn more about local issues and advocate for change.

3. Resolve to Volunteer:

4. Resolve to Educate:

  • Share information about food insecurity in Lenexa and Johnson County with your friends, family, and on social media.
  • Educate yourself and others about the impact of poverty on our community.
  • Organize a community event to raise awareness about food insecurity and the work of the FUUD Pantry.

5. Resolve to Support:

  • Become a monthly donor to the FUUD Pantry. Your consistent support helps us provide reliable and consistent assistance to those in need.
  • Consider making a one-time donation to the FUUD Pantry.
  • Explore other ways to support the FUUD Pantry, such as donating gently used household items or organizing a workplace giving campaign.

Everyone deserves access to nutritious food. When you contribute through your time, treasure or talents — no matter how small — it makes an impact.

You can make 2025 a year of compassion and community support. When we work together, we can combat food insecurity in Johnson County, building a stronger and more just community.