Causes: Emergency Assistance, Food, Food Banks & Pantries

Mission: The mission of circle of concern is to provide immediate and long-term assistance in the forms of food distribution, finanical aid for housing, utilities, education and healthcare, as well as offering holiday dinners and gifts to low-income families residing (see sch o) in the parkway, rockwood, and valley park school districts of missouri. Circle of concern strives to create opportunities for needy families to re-establish themselves as productive members in our community.

Programs: Food pantry distributionsin 2014, circle of concern fed 26,816 people. Each family received a combination of donated foods including canned goods, bakery items, personal care products, as well as purchased foods including meat, milk, eggs, and fresh produce. Families also received miscellaneous items of use including mittens, hats, books, household needs, and some clothing.

financial aid to individualsaid was received by 2,150 individuals to help them pay for utilities, rent and home repairs, gasoline (by vouchers), prescriptions, and medical care. Assistance was given for temporary housing for homeless persons; and fans or air conditioners were distributed. Payments are made directly to landlords, utility companies, and other providers.

holiday program and birthday clubcircle shared the spirit of the holdiay and children's birthdays through four projects. Holiday baskets containing canned goods, fresh fruit, hams, turkeys, frozen pies, and small gifts were given to families on the saturday before thanksgiving day. Holiday adoptions matched families with groups and individuals for special help during the season. Each family received food, gifts, gift cards, and their requested items. Toy day was met with delight by kids from toddlers to teenagers whose parents chose new playthings, board games, bikes, personal electronics, stuffed animals and personal care products for their children. Families also received gift cards. The birthday club recognized the special day for children with wrapped gifts. Most of them also received birthday bags filled with cake mixes, icing, candles, and party favors. The holiday program, toy day and birthday club provided assistance to 1,378 individuals during 2014.