Local 249 supports Kaye’s Corner annual toy drive

By Robin Taylor

On December 17, Kaye’s Learning Corner held their annual toy drive to help low income families provide Christmas gifts for their children. This event was held at the Kansas City Missouri East Patrol Campus, 2640 Prospect Ave.

Kaye’s Learning Corner is an inner city childcare center. They provide a safe space for children in low-income families to learn and grow. The owner Crystal Turner has a degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education. Crystal saw a need for affordable childcare in the inner city. She paired that with her background in education and opened a learning center offering affordable childcare with individual and family rates. Kaye’s offers a variety of learning experiences, before & after school care, and a second language of French is taught as well.

The Women’s Committee volunteers with Kaye’s throughout the year by volunteering their time for debris removal behind the center, touch up painting, participating in their Easter egg hunt, and back to school events. Last year the Women’s Committee donated toys and bicycles for the toy drive.

This year, Crystal contacted the Women’s Committee, asking if they were able to donate and participate again. Crystal said, “the need for bicycles are great, can Local 249 donate 25 bicycles?”

The Women’s Committee asked the President, Executive Board, and all the standing committees if they could donate at least two bicycles per committee for this event. Being the compassionate, dedicated members of Local 249 willing to support an organization in our community, and a great cause, they gladly answered the call.

Local 249 donated 32 bikes, ranging from toddler bikes to beach cruisers. Committee Chairpersons Josh Curtis, Darrell Stewart, and Jay Bosler went above and beyond to make sure little girls and boys were going to get a bicycle for Christmas.

On the day of the deadline, we were a few bikes short. That day Curtis and the Motorcycle Committee, along with Stewart and the Chaplaincy Committee purchased more bicycles to make sure we met and exceeded our goal.

Bosler offered his truck to transport the bicycles from the Union Hall to the daycare and Police Station. After the annual Breakfast with Santa event hosted at the Union Hall. Women’s Committee Chairperson Robin Taylor and member Kaylee Nowland attend the event.

Nowland was dressed in a Grinch costume that tied into their toy drive team. Nowland and Taylor participated in assisting the parents with shopping for toys and choosing a bicycle. It was an honor and privilege to put a smile on all the kids faces for Christmas. Thank you to all Local 249 standing committees, and volunteers for your participation in this event. We are truly proud of our Local 249 President, Executive Board, our standing committees and members of Local 249 who displayed the true spirit of Christmas.