Westridge #givehope Event Helps Community Members Enjoy the Holidays

Westridge Thanksgiving #givehope
Shawnee Mission School District

Westridge Middle School students, their family members, and staff donated time and groceries to help 300 local families prepare Thanksgiving dinner in their own kitchens.

Students and staff worked with Caring for Kids community partners, including City Center Church, to serve families in the Shawnee Mission West area.

The volunteers helped to bring food into the school, decorate the halls, gym and cafeteria, and worked on logistics so the event could run smoothly. Before families arrived, volunteers talked to students, who would act as personal shopping assistants, about ways they could help families feel welcome, protect dignity and make the event feel special. 

As families arrived, they were served hot chocolate and cookies and watched a holiday movie followed by the Chief’s game while they waited for their personal shopping assistant. 

Once they had a personal student shopping assistant available, families were able to select the food items of their choice including a ham or turkey and side dish options. Then their groceries were packed up to take home.  

There was also a general store available for the families to visit. Local businesses and faith-based organizations donated hats, gloves, coats, toiletries, clothing, and other household items.

“#givehope was an amazing Thanksgiving outreach,” Amy Nine, Westridge social worker, said. “We are so grateful City Center asked us to be a part of this opportunity.”