Category: Opinions

Holidays offer opportunity to give

by Cathi Hahner

Holidays are a wonderful time to think about the needs of others, and there are many ways you can help this holiday season.

For a list of opportunities where you can volunteer your time, adopt-a-family or donate, go to the web site at www.unitedway-wyco.org and check out the Holiday Needs Guide.

Local agencies are planning Christmas stores so their clients can shop for gifts. These stores are in need of donations, either cash or gifts. The stores also need volunteers to help set-up, during store hours and break-down the displays.

There are other agencies that have families to be adopted. Adopt-A-Family programs help families during the holidays by providing food, toys and clothing in a compassionate and supportive manner. Adopting a family is a wonderful way to teach children how be charitable and to involve them in a community project. It can also be a wonderful team building opportunity at the close of the corporate year.

You might organize a new gift drive for kids of all ages or make a donation to a gift-giving organization. There are a variety of agencies collecting toys and personal items. Volunteers can also help with distribution of the holiday baskets to the families.

Many local agencies hold holiday parties or gatherings for their clients. Volunteers are needed to help with the parties through a variety of activities such as decorating or serving at the event. These events are a sure-fire way to spread the spirit of the holidays to all.

For more information on how you can volunteer contact Cathi Hahner at 913-371-3674 or [email protected]. You can also find volunteer opportunities by checking out the website, www.unitedway-wyco.org and click on Holiday Needs Guide or Volunteer.

Cathi Hahner is the director of volunteer services at the United Way of Wyandotte County.

State Avenue continues as major roadway

by Murrel Bland
Joe Maderak recalls when State Avenue was a narrow dirt path called New Reidy Road. Today, State Avenue has advanced as a major roadway that continues to be a significant thoroughfare for retail commerce.

Maderak, who was born in Kansas City, Kan., more than 91 years ago, has lived most of his life just a few blocks from 78th Street and State Avenue. He was the founder of Maderak Construction, a masonry contractor. He also was a residential homebuilder and, along with his family, a property owner in the State Avenue Corridor.

Maderak also founded the Business West organization in 1985. Today he continues to serve the voluntary association as a member of its board of directors and as chairman of the State Avenue Corridor Planning and Marketing Committee.

The State Avenue Committee will have its annual meeting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, in the building that once housed the Payless Shoe store at 7714 State Ave. All interested persons are urged to attend. Those attending will learn of the progress in the corridor and plans for future growth.

Maderak will tell of the evolution of State Avenue and how recent activity has renewed the interest in commercial property along the corridor. There is development on the western end of State Avenue as the Schlittterbahn water park expands its development efforts to make way for two auto dealerships; other retail announcements are expected soon. Other activity is apparent as the Clifford Dale family clears property just west of Meadowlark Lane.

Business West is leading the effort to establish a community improvement district that would stretch along State Avenue from 94th to 64th streets and 78th Street from State to Riverview avenues. A quarter-cent sales tax would fund the district; its three main functions would center on security, appearance and marketing. Security persons, probably on bicycles, would complement officers from the west patrol and the community police unit. A “clean team” would pick up debris in the right-of-way. A committee of property and business owners would develop a marketing program.

Persons wanting to attend the annual meeting should telephone 913-766-4300 or 913-406-6266 (cell) or e-mail [email protected].

Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is the executive director of Business West.

AG’s Consumer Corner: Give wisely during holiday season

by Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt

The holiday season is once again upon us. As we gather with our families to give thanks for our blessings over the past year, it is also the time of year we especially think of those in need.

Kansans are generous, giving people, with both their time and money. Whether it is volunteering time to serve your community or donating money to a worthy cause, these efforts make Kansas a great place to live.

Unfortunately, while there are many fine charitable organizations in our state worthy of our support, there are also scam artists who know that this is a tempting time of year to take advantage of Kansans’ giving spirit. Here are some helpful hints to make sure your donations go to support a good cause, not to a scammer’s pocket:

• Be cautious. Scammers often take advantage of recent tragedies to lure you into giving to a fake charity. Recently our office has received reports of solicitations for Ebola relief and help for areas hit by natural disasters. Instead of giving over the phone, ask them to send you information in writing so you can verify that the charity is legitimate.

• Plan your giving. Make a list of charitable organizations you want to support and a budget for how much you plan to give each organization. Do not wait for a solicitation to come by mail or the telephone and get pressured into making a donation.

• Do your homework. Take the time to research the organizations you are interested in. Most charitable organizations in the state are required by law to register with the Secretary of State’s Office. You can check a charity’s registration online at www.KsCharityCheck.org. On that website, you will also find helpful information about the organization, including how much of the money it raises goes to support the charitable purpose and how much is spent on fundraising expenses.

• Check with your tax preparer. If you’re planning on taking a tax deduction for your contribution, check with your tax preparer to make sure the organization qualifies to receive tax-deductible contributions.

• Document the transaction. Keep records of how much you donated and where you sent the check. Always give by check or credit card so the transaction can be traced. Never wire funds or send money on prepaid “cash cards.” Once money is sent by these methods, it is almost impossible to get it back.

For more safe giving tips, or to report a suspicious charity, visit the attorney general’s consumer protection website at www.InYourCornerKansas.org, or call 800-432-2310.