By Paul Greeley
817-578-6324, Paul@NewsBlues.com

KMBC, Hearst’s ABC affiliate in Kansas City, hosted two campaigns over the summer as part of their on-going community project, KMBC 9 Cares for Kids.

The summer brought two standout campaigns:

KVC Health Systems Back-to-School Drive – In July, KMBC 9 viewers helped raise more than $50,000 to provide over 1,000 students in foster care the opportunity to purchase their own brand-new back-to-school outfits. Students selected their clothing during a special shopping event held Sunday, August 17.

\Operation Breakthrough Stuff the Bus – During the first full week of August, viewers stuffed a school bus full of supplies for the 1,500 children served daily by Operation Breakthrough. In addition to donated supplies, KMBC 9 viewers contributed monetary donations to help ensure students have the tools they need for a successful school year.

KMBC 9 Cares for Kids has surpassed the $1 million milestone since its 2023 launch in funds raised for children across the Kansas City area, thanks to the generosity of viewers and community partners.

“These milestones show what happens when our community comes together with compassion and generosity,” says Justin Antoniotti, KMBC’s GM.  “We’re proud that KMBC 9 Cares for Kids has now raised more than $1 million to support Kansas City children and families alongside our partner organizations.”

“Our viewers never cease to inspire me,” says Kim Rupe, KMBC’s Director of Community Partnerships. “From diapers to school supplies to new clothes for kids in foster care, every donation tells a child that their community cares about them. Reaching the $1 million mark is proof of the power of collective kindness.”

Launched in 2023 in conjunction with KMBC 9’s 70th anniversary, KMBC 9 Cares for Kids connects viewers with six local nonprofits: Ability KC, Giving the Basics, HappyBottoms, KVC Health Systems, Lead to Read KC, and Operation Breakthrough. Together, these partnerships provide vital resources to help children across Kansas and Missouri reach their full potential.

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