At the beginning of a new year, many people take a look at the their lives, evaluate the things that are important to them and think about what they can do to make the world a better place –– how they can give back to their community.

When creating a list for this year's giving, consider adopting the Children and Family Center of Northwest Missouri as a meaningful project.

Each year the Children and Family Center provides emergency shelter and assistance for more than 500 women, children and men through various services. The center can't do it alone –– they need support and assistance from individuals, organizations and businesses from the surrounding area.

With a declining economy –– families cutting budgets to the mere basics. Many would ask how they can afford to give to others. In such cases, remember that donating time and gently used items is very welcome at the center –– donations that don't cost a thing.
Consider these suggestions for giving:

• Someone with a pick-up could volunteer two hours of their time to help move items for a victim of domestic violence trying to get set up in a new home.
• Someone with a strong back could volunteer to help lift the heavy items while moving.
• When changing the color scheme in a bedroom, someone could donate their unneeded bedding.
• When replacing furnishings, unwanted items could be donated and used by victims relocating.
When purchasing necessities for the home, consider adding a few extra items to the cart that can be donated to the Children and Family Center. Items the center is currently in need of include:
• Toiletries: deodorant, body lotion, hair spray, shampoo and conditioner.
• Cleaning supplies: toilet cleaner and brush, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, disinfecting wipes, brooms and mops, window cleaner, floor cleaner, all-purpose cleaning spray.
• Household items: shower curtains, bath towels and mats, pots and pans, silverware, bedding, trash cans, lamps.
• Paper goods: toilet paper, tissues, paper towels and napkins, trash bags, storage bags.
• Other items that would be useful: Wal-Mart or Hyvee gift cards, small tool sets (hammer, screwdriver, wrench, etc.), first aid kits (band aids, pain reliever, pain medication, disinfectant salve), emergency kits for cars, vacuum cleaners.

As individuals, organizations, clubs and businesses think about a charity they want to include for their annual giving, consider the Children and Family Center. Collect urgently needed items one month, invite a speaker from the center to present educational programs another month, collect monetary donations, organize a volunteer project. These types of activities are rewarding and helpful to the giver as well as those receiving.

For more information about adopting the Children and Family Center or to invite a speaker for an educational program, contact Muriel Zimmerman at (660) 562-2320 or email her at cfcnwm1@embarqmail.com.