Shelter KC, the Kansas City rescue mission, is seeking donations of practical gifts for the homeless.
Its annual celebration scheduled for Friday, Dec. 23, will distribute new shoes and socks with other practical gifts.
Shelter KC works with homeless adults and a holiday dinner will be served at the celebration.
The public is asked to help by giving adult toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, lip balm, razors, body lotion, knit hats, scarves, gloves, socks and other items. There will be new shoes and socks distributed thanks to generous donors and Operation Care International.
Shelter KC also asks for personalized Christmas cards (signed only with donors first names), with a warm message that can touch the heart.
The Mission asks that donations be put into a gallon zip-lock bag or a plastic grocery bag and dropped off at 1520 Cherry St., Kansas City, Missouri. The bags should not contain anything perishable. Deadline for donations is end-of-day Dec. 19.
Shelter KC plans to distribute at least 600 gift bags in specially designed string bag backpacks at the Dec. 23 event.
Financial donations may be made to www.shelterkc.org.