The Johnson County Christmas Bureau’s desperate plea for a place to distribute more than $1 million dollars in donated goods to approximately 12,000 of its neighbors in need has been answered by Block & Company, Inc., Realtors.

The Johnson County Christmas Bureau needed at least 35,000 SF of space for adults living below 150 percent of the poverty level to shop at no cost with one of 3,500 volunteers between Dec. 2-10.

Thanks to Block & Company, Inc., Realtors, the Johnson County Christmas Bureau now has access to 36,838 SF of space in the former Stein Mart store at 9656 Quivira Rd. in the Orchard Corners Shopping Center across from Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Kan.

“We had the donations. We had the volunteers. But we didn’t have the space,” says Johnson County Christmas Bureau executive director, Nina Kimbrough. “We are so very grateful to Block & Company, Inc., Realtors for making it possible to hold our annual Holiday SHOP where, this year, we will distribute donated goods to about 12,000 of our neighbors in need. Block & Company, Inc., Realtors is proof of Kansas City’s generosity and commitment to helping our neighbors.”

The demand to participate in the Holiday SHOP has dramatically increased this year. Last year volunteers helped 10,600 people make their own selections of donated items with dignity; this year approximately 12,000 area residents are expected to participate.

The Johnson County Christmas Bureau also provides goods to those in need in nursing homes. Last year, they served 900 elderly nursing home residents; requests this year already exceed 1,300. With no government funding, the nonprofit relies solely on community support and the generosity of the community for securing the location for its annual Holiday SHOP.

"Block & Company, Inc., Realtors is so happy and proud to be able to support such a fine charitable organization who is benefiting the community in such an important way,” says David M. Block, president of Block & Company, Inc., Realtors.

Over 150 pallets stacked high with donated goods collected throughout the year are being moved to the Holiday SHOP site from 14 storage locations across the metro. Last year alone, the Johnson County Christmas Bureau gave away 161,600 diapers, 65,000 books and 6,800 children’s coats, hats and gloves. Beneficiaries also can select both fresh and canned food, personal care items, and toys and gifts that they can give to others.

One of the Johnson County Christmas Bureau’s functions is to serve as a safety net for other agencies and organizations that have run out of funds at the end of the year. To apply or to participate in the Holiday SHOP or for more information about the Johnson County Christmas Bureau, please visit https://jccb.org.

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FEATURE PHOTO CREDIT: ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES.