Kansans giving to help Kansans

Whether it's helping a neighbor pick up after a storm, caring for a sick friend, or a community barnraising or pulling in harvest, Kansans have a long history of looking out for each other. Because Governor Mark Parkinson has had to make drastic budget cuts, he urges Kansans to help their neighbors. This is nothing to ask of hardy Kansans- its deep within our pioneer heritage. Below we've listed a number of ways we Kansans can help each other in this time of need.

Hear Governor Parkinson's Thanksgiving message:
http://governor.ks.gov/component/content/article/42-front-page-news/474-govenor-thanksgiving-message

Find agencies to give your time or dollars to:
Local:
SRS provides a county search engine guide to available community services. http://www.srskansas.org/ISD/community_services/community_servicesmain.htm

United Way of the Plains:
http://www.unitedwayplains.org/

Community Health Charities of Kansas and Missouri
http://ksmo.healthcharities.org/index.asp

National and International:
Causecast- supports national and international agencies for change
http://www.causecast.org/

Global Impact
http://www.charity.org/

Gifts in Kind International
http://www.giftsinkind.org/

Find volunteer opportunities at:
Governor's Mentor Program
http://kansasmentors.kansas.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Kansas Volunteer Commission
http://www.kanserve.org/

Create the Good
http://createthegood.org

iParticipate
http://www.iparticipate.org/

Protect yourself from scam artists and make sure you're giving to agencies and charities with the best interests at heart.

Attorney General's site:
http://www.ksag.org/page/charities

See whether the charity you are giving to is registered with the Secretary of State at their Charity Check site:
http://www.kscharitycheck.org/

Contact your local Better Business Bureau to find out more:
http://www.bbb.org/us/charity/

There are so many opportunities to help those in need. Check with your local shelters, community health clinics, schools, and area agencies for the aging to find out how you can give this season. By helping your neighbors, you will be helping Kansas recover.

Article Contact: Kim Harp