Month: September 2017

‘My Shelf to Yours’ book sale returns to KCKCC in October

by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC

Looking for great deals on used books, while helping students in financial need at the same time? Then Kansas City Kansas Community College’s upcoming My Shelf To Yours Book Sale is the place to be.

The book sale is returning to KCKCC in October, raising funds for students on campus. The sale is from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18 and 19 in Room 2325 on the lower level of the Jewell Building on the KCKCC campus, 7250 State Ave. It will also be open 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 17. The sale is open to the public as well as students, staff and faculty.

“The book sales are our biggest fundraiser, and I have seen how important it is for our students who don’t have the means to buy all their books for class,” said Sarah Jones, coordinator of the Intercultural Center at KCKCC. “But not only does the sale support our students financially, it provides an opportunity for them to get to know each other and work towards something together.”

All books will be $1 or seven books for $5, and proceeds benefit the student scholarship fund. The ICC uses the fund to distribute scholarships for textbooks and tuition to students who have a financial need.

In addition, there will also be beverages and snacks for sale as well as fashion jewelry and other local vendors. Those who attend the book sale and purchase at least $5 worth of items are automatically entered into a raffle for a KCKCC Bookstore Certificate.

Created in 2010, the goal of My Shelf To Yours is to promote scholarship, leadership, entrepreneurship and sustainability by selling donated used books both on-line and on-ground.

The student-operated store has gained national recognition from eBay’s Green Team for recycling books to help fellow students who need assistance with purchasing textbooks and with college tuition.

Since the event started almost eight years ago, more than 73,000 books have been donated from 402 individuals. This has helped 429 students with 1146 textbooks and has awarded more than $27,800 in scholarships.

My Shelf To Yours donates any unsold book donations from the sale to local charities and organizations.

“I was able to participate in the My Shelf To Yours program last year,” said Hillary Valerio, a sophomore at KCKCC. “Because I volunteered to help with the program, I was able to get help with my textbooks. This really made a big difference for me because I don’t have much money even though I work a part time job besides going to school. I also had a lot of fun helping at the used book sale. I think everybody should come by and check it out.”

For more information, contact Brian Patrick at 913-288-7362 or by email [email protected]
or Barbara Clark-Evans at 913-288-7504 or by email at [email protected].

Friends of Yates to hold special praise event during domestic violence month

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, Friends of Yates will hold its 3rd annual Night of Praise, “Friends Embracing Lives through Praise.”

The benefit event will be held at Forest Grove Baptist Church, 1417 N. 9th St., Kansas City, Kansas.
The annual event benefits the Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Center for victims of domestic violence, a program of Friends of Yates.

At this event, talented Kansas City area performers will come together and share their extraordinary gifts with family, friends and community members to raise awareness of domestic violence and the impact it has had, and continues to have on the community, a spokesman for the event said.

Those who attend will hear the powerful testimony of a domestic survivor, hear the angelic melodies from vocalists, see graceful liturgical dancing, and hear heart-felt poetry.

The evening’s featured artists will include Erin Jones, Chris Kelly and Heritage Dance Ministry, the M.B.C. Praise Team, Metropolitan Angels 5-7-8, and Brent Rice.

This is a free event, however, donations are welcomed to help support the vital programs and services for survivors of domestic violence. This Night of Praise is sure to touch everyone who attends in a very special way. Be it laughter, tears, smiles or cheers, you will definitely be glad you came.

Although the Night of Praise will be the kickoff event Friends of Yates will hold in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it will not be the last.

The 17th Annual Awards and Faith Luncheon will be held on Friday, Oct. 27, at Friends of Yates, 1418 Garfield Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.

Future events include the Holiday at the Apollo Gala annual meeting and benefit, Dec. 9, and the 38th Annual Black Men and Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony to be held in February of 2018, recognizing contributions and achievements made by African Americans within the community.

Yates was organized and became a branch of the YWCA, Kansas City, Kansas, in 1913. One hundred four years later, Friends of Yates continues its mission to provide services and help to develop a sense of identity to children, youth, adults and senior adults that facilitate safe and productive lives through their many programs.

Current programs, services and events of Friends of Yates include Black Men and Women of Distinction event; Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort (CACE) event, and the Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Center for Survivors of Domestic Violence and their dependent children. Some of the many programs offered through DG-JHWC include Keep a Clear Mind; Pathway to Advocacy and Violence free living and Economic empowerment (PAVE) program, which is a collaborative program between Friends of Yates and the Division of Child and Family Services (DCF), to provide domestic violence and sexual assault services to TANF recipients. Healthcare Advocacy Program (BridgeSpan); Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Court Advocacy; Mental Health Services; Substance Abuse Counseling; Child Care; Translation Services; Community Outreach and Education; Strength-based Case Management; 24-hour Crisis Hotline, Job Coaching and Economic Empowerment.

For more information about Friends of Yates’ “Friends Embracing Lives through Praise” benefit event or any other event, contact Durriyyah Anderson, community outreach educator at 913-321-1566, ext. 226, or via email [email protected].

A spokesman said it’s the hope of Friends of Yates that the public will attend this event, fill their Sunday with artistic enjoyment and help support the many programs and services provided by Friends of Yates.

– Information from Durriyyah Anderson, Friends of Yates