COMMUNITY IN ACTION. SINCE 2006.

Showing up.
Lifting our community.

Since 2006, Refuge Community Outreach has brought Kansas City together to serve meals, equip students, and connect individuals and families with practical support. Find help, volunteer, or help make the next outreach possible.

Find support ↗Be part of it ↗

Food. Clothing. School supplies. People, first.

Two Refuge volunteers prepare hot meals together at a serving counter.

1 / 5

HAPPENING NOWSoles for SoulsCommunity Shoe Drive · Oct 4–Dec 3, 2026 ↗

FIND SUPPORT ✳ GIVE YOUR TIME ✳ BRING A NEIGHBOR ✳ MAKE A DIFFERENCE ✳

THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE

What brings
you our way?

Whether you need a little support or have something to share, your next step starts here.

01 / FIND SUPPORT ↗

A little help.
A lot of dignity.

Explore community meals, clothing updates, and school-supply outreach.

02 / SHOW UP ↗

Your time
changes things.

Help prepare, organize, collect, and serve alongside our team.

03 / GIVE & PARTNER ↗

Put your
kindness to work.

Contribute supplies, explore giving, or bring your organization into the work.

ON THE CALENDAR

Next up.
Come through.

See all events ↗

Thanksgiving: November 24 · Setup 4–6 p.m. · Serve 6–8 p.m. in Northeast Kansas City. Volunteer check-in: 141 N. Lawndale Avenue. Christmas details are coming soon.

SMALL ACTS. LASTING IMPACT.

Years of care.
Thousands of connections.

Since 2006, our outreach has brought meals, school supplies, and practical support into Kansas City communities.

6,000+Backpacks filled with school supplies distributed

3,000+People served hot meals through Thanksgiving outreach

2,000+People served hot meals through Christmas outreach

Cumulative totals since 2006, reported by RCO. Meal totals may include repeat guests.Explore our story in action ↗

JULY 2026 / SUMMERFEST275families received backpacks and school supplies

WHAT COMMUNITY SUPPORT MADE POSSIBLE

Ready for school.
Supported by community.

At our July 2026 Back-to-School Summerfest, RCO provided backpacks and school supplies to 275 families.

Contributions helped provide free food, free backpacks, and free school supplies for the event.

Help make the next outreach possible ↗

OCTOBER 4–DECEMBER 3, 2026

Make room
for a good thing.

Our shoe drive is accepting all types of shoes. Gather a pair, organize a collection, or help spread the word.

Find a drop-off spot ↗

ROOTED HERE. REACHING OUT.

We go where
community happens.

Neighborhood parks. Community centers. Shelters. City streets. Our work begins with meeting people and showing up with something useful.

Meet Refuge Community Outreach ↗

FIND SUPPORT

A place to start.
A community that cares.

Explore what RCO offers and how to connect with our team. We’ll help you understand the next available opportunity.

01

COMMUNITY MEALS

A warm meal.
A welcoming moment.

Our food outreach takes place through scheduled community feedings, including Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. RCO does not currently operate a regular grocery-pantry distribution schedule.

NOV 24, 2026Thanksgiving Feeding

DEC 22, 2026Christmas Feeding

Thanksgiving serving shift: 6–8 p.m. in Northeast Kansas City. Volunteers check in at 141 N. Lawndale Avenue; setup runs 4–6 p.m. Guests do not need to register. The serving location will be posted November 17, one week before serve day, and sent to registered volunteers. Christmas details will be announced.

View meal events ↗

02

OPENING PLANNED · WINTER 2026

A fresh chapter
for our clothing closet.

Our clothing closet is currently under renovation. We’re preparing a welcoming space for individuals and families to access clothing.

141 N. Lawndale Ave, Kansas City, MO
Opening date and hours will be announced after renovations. Clothing service is not available yet.

Ask about the clothing closet ↗

03

BACK-TO-SCHOOL OUTREACH

Ready for
what comes next.

Since 2006, RCO has distributed more than 6,000 backpacks filled with school supplies. Our back-to-school drives help children and families prepare for learning.

Our next distribution date has not been announced. Contact us about future opportunities to receive supplies or contribute to a drive.

Connect about school supplies ↗

BEFORE YOU VISIT

A few helpful answers.

Do I need to register for a meal?

Guests do not need to register for Thanksgiving. Volunteers must use the Thanksgiving volunteer signup. The serving location will be posted November 17, one week before serve day, and sent to registered volunteers. For questions, call 816.806.4127 or email RCO@therefugekc.org to confirm the details for the event you plan to attend.

Is the clothing closet open?

Not yet. Renovations are underway at 141 N. Lawndale Ave. Opening is planned for winter 2026; the exact date and service hours are still to be announced.

What should I bring, and who can participate?

Contact our team for the requirements, available supplies, accessibility arrangements, and participation details for your specific event.

Can RCO provide housing?

This website is for Refuge Community Outreach’s food, clothing, and community programs. Refuge Living is a separate organization. For housing inquiries, visit Refuge Living ↗.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Put community
on your calendar.

Meal outreach, donation drives, and opportunities to show up. Find the details for your next step.

All dates shown are for 2026. Thanksgiving serves Northeast Kansas City; volunteer check-in is at 141 N. Lawndale Avenue. Guests do not need to register. The serving location will be posted November 17 and sent to registered volunteers. Christmas details are pending.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2026

A place at the table.

Setup: 4–6 p.m.
Serving: 6–8 p.m.
Service area: Northeast Kansas City
Volunteer check-in: 141 N. Lawndale Avenue, Kansas City, MO

Times are Central. Guests do not need to register; volunteers must sign up. The serving location will be posted November 17, one week before serve day, and sent to registered volunteers. Check-in is for volunteers. Hosted together by Refuge Living and Refuge Community Outreach.

Register to volunteer for Thanksgiving ↗

2026 SHOE DRIVE · OCT 4–DEC 3

Three places.
One good cause.

All types of shoes accepted. Please use the listed hours or arrange a church drop-off with RCO.

DROP-OFF / 01

Salon LaRue

1101 E. 76th Terr
Kansas City, MO 64131

Friday & Saturday
10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Get directions ↗

DROP-OFF / 02

The Refuge KC

141 N. Lawndale Ave
Kansas City, MO

By arrangement
Contact RCO to confirm drop-off hours.

Call to arrange ↗

DROP-OFF / 03

House of Diamonds
Hair Lounge

3402 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO 64109

Tuesday–Saturday
9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Get directions ↗

OUR IMPACT / SINCE 2006

Care that
keeps showing up.

A backpack ready for school. A hot meal during the holidays. The work adds up—one person, one family, one neighborhood at a time.

6,000+Backpacks filled with school supplies distributed

3,000+People served through Thanksgiving hot-meal outreach

2,000+People served through Christmas hot-meal outreach

Cumulative totals since 2006, reported by RCO. Meal counts may include repeat guests and are not a count of unique individuals.

JULY 2026 / SUMMERFEST275families received backpacks and school supplies

WHAT COMMUNITY SUPPORT MADE POSSIBLE

Ready for school.
Supported by community.

At our July 2026 Back-to-School Summerfest, RCO provided backpacks and school supplies to 275 families.

Contributions helped provide free food, free backpacks, and free school supplies for the event.

Help make the next outreach possible ↗

A VOLUNTEER’S EXPERIENCE / COVID-19 OUTREACH

The work stays with you.

“Volunteering with Refuge Community Outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic changed my life tremendously. I watched the team serve hundreds of people from underserved communities. People stood in line, and Refuge served every person with love, no matter where they came from. Every Thursday, through rain, sleet, and snow, they kept showing up.”

— Volunteer during COVID-19 Edited for grammar and clarity.

2006WHERE IT STARTED

School supplies.
Hot meals.
A lasting commitment.

RCO began with back-to-school drives and feeding neighbors in need. Over the years, that work has expanded through seasonal outreach, clothing efforts, collection drives, and community collaboration.

Our history is rooted in practical care: noticing a need, gathering people, and doing something about it.

ACROSS KANSAS CITY

Our community
has many gathering places.

We’ve served hot meals in neighborhoods, shelters, parks, and community spaces across the city.

Midtown / Troost
City Union Mission
Hillcrest Community Center
141 N. Lawndale Ave
Downtown streets
Neighborhood parks with KC Heroes
James A. Reed Road
10816 Hillcrest Rd

These are past service locations, not a list of current distribution sites. Check upcoming events or contact RCO before visiting.

WHO WE ARE

Rooted in care.
Built around people.

Refuge Community Outreach is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families through practical assistance and community outreach in Kansas City.

OUR MISSION

Practical help.
Lasting possibility.

Refuge Community Outreach empowers underserved individuals and families through food assistance, essential resources, educational opportunities, and mentorship that support self-sufficiency and whole-person well-being.

OUR VISION

Stronger families.
Thriving neighborhoods.

We envision communities where individuals and families have access to nourishing food, clothing, learning opportunities, and the support they need to move forward with dignity.

OUR STORY

It started
with showing up.

In 2006, RCO began with a practical commitment: helping children return to school prepared and providing meals to neighbors in need.

What started with back-to-school drives and community meals has grown into a broader effort to strengthen families through food, clothing, essential resources, and partnerships. From neighborhood parks and community centers to shelters and city streets, RCO meets people with compassion and practical support.

Today, that commitment continues through scheduled meals, school-supply distributions, donation drives, and opportunities for neighbors to serve one another.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK

Community takes people.

Tracy Johnson

President & Secretary

Zenette Kearney

Vice President

Micah Tribitt

Treasurer

LOOKING AHEAD

More ways
to uplift our neighbors.

Our long-term vision includes after-school tutoring, mentorship, youth development, and community health and wellness workshops.

These are future goals, not currently available services. We welcome conversations with educators, volunteers, and partners interested in helping turn that vision into action.

Start a conversation ↗

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Find a connection.
Take your next step.

Diapers, groceries, family assistance, and employment support. Explore organizations RCO has identified as community resources.

Start with the right next step.

Each organization manages its own enrollment, eligibility, and availability. Check its current information before traveling. Need help finding your way? Contact RCO and we’ll talk through your next step.

Call RCO · 816.806.4127 ↗

DIAPERS & FAMILIES

HappyBottoms

Diaper assistance for children under four whose families have financial need and live in the program’s service area.

How to get help: Choose a distribution agency from HappyBottoms’ directory. Bring identification showing your child’s name and birth date. Some sites require online pre-enrollment or an appointment.
Questions: getdiapers@happybottoms.org

Use a participating distribution site for pickup. Hours and enrollment steps vary by agency.

Find diapers & enrollment ↗

Source: HappyBottoms · Checked Oct 22, 2026

FOOD PANTRY

Jerry Lee Jarrett
Life Center

The Pantry of Hope offers a monthly drive-through food pantry in Bonner Springs.

Location: 143 W. Insley Ave
Bonner Springs, KS 66012
Phone: 913.400.1188
Before visiting: Call to confirm the next pantry date, hours, appointment options, and any participation requirements.

Call the pantry ↗

Harvesters pantry listing ↗City resource listing ↗

Sources: Harvesters & City of Edwardsville · Checked Oct 22, 2026

FOOD, FAMILY & FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Catholic Charities
of Kansas City–St. Joseph

Food-pantry services, diaper assistance, employment support, and applications for rent or utility assistance.

Kansas City location: 8001 Longview Rd
Kansas City, MO 64134
Phone: 816.221.4377
Office hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
The Market food pantry: Tuesday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; first Saturday of the month, 8 a.m.–noon. Confirm hours before visiting.
Financial aid: Review the county-specific application and current eligibility rules. Funding is limited; applying does not guarantee assistance.

Explore services ↗

Rent & utility assistance ↗Locations & current hours ↗

Source: Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph · Checked Oct 22, 2026

JOBS & DIGITAL SKILLS

MOKAN Goodwill
Mobile Workforce Unit

A mobile classroom with computers and internet access for job applications, hiring events, and digital-skills training.

Job-seeker support: 816.842.7425 · Ask for Employment Services, ext. 2000.
How to access it: The unit visits scheduled community locations. Contact Goodwill for available services and upcoming visits; there is no fixed walk-in location for the mobile unit.
For organizations: Use the booking link on Goodwill’s Mobile Workforce Unit page to request an event.

Mobile unit & event booking ↗

Employment services ↗Contact Goodwill ↗

Source: Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas · Checked Oct 22, 2026

These listings provide resource information, not a guarantee of service or sponsorship. Requirements, funding, and schedules can change. Please verify details directly with the organization.

PAST COLLABORATION

Neighbors working
alongside neighbors.

KC Heroes

PAST OUTREACH COLLABORATOR

RCO has partnered with KC Heroes to serve hot meals in community parks.

This describes past collaboration. It does not indicate current service availability or a formal sponsorship.

Bring your organization into the work ↗

GET INVOLVED

A little of you.
A lot of good.

Give your time, contribute supplies, or explore a partnership. There’s more than one way to show up for Kansas City.

01 / VOLUNTEER

Bring your
helping spirit.

Ask about preparing and serving meals, organizing drives, sorting donations, and helping at outreach events. Groups and individuals can contact our team about opportunities.

Register to volunteer ↗

Thanksgiving volunteer signup ↗

02 / DONATE ITEMS

Something to share?
Start here.

Our current shoe drive accepts all types of shoes through December 3, 2026. Contact RCO before bringing other items so we can confirm current needs and space.

View shoe drop-offs ↗

03 / FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Help the work
keep moving.

Connect with our team about supporting community meals, school supplies, and essential outreach resources.

Give through our secure Donorbox form. Choose a one-time gift or recurring support, and review the giving frequency before completing your donation.

Donate to RCO ↗

04 / PARTNER & SPONSOR

Your organization.
Our community.

Explore event sponsorship, supplies, collection locations, or a group service opportunity. Tell us what you can contribute and we’ll discuss a practical next step.

Let’s partner ↗

SUPPORT REFUGE COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Help us keep
showing up.

Your generosity helps provide community meals, backpacks, school supplies, and essential outreach resources for Kansas City individuals and families.

LOCAL CARE. PRACTICAL SUPPORT.

Your gift becomes
part of the work.

Since 2006, Refuge Community Outreach has brought neighbors together to meet everyday needs with compassion.

Community meals and food for outreach events
Backpacks and school supplies for students
Clothing and essential outreach resources

275 families

received backpacks and school supplies at our July 2026 Summerfest. Contributions also helped provide free food for the event.

See our impact ↗

You are supporting Refuge Community Outreach. Refuge Living is a separate organization.

Giving questions? RCO@therefugekc.org · 816.806.4127

Give to RCO

Choose your amount and giving frequency. The form starts with monthly giving selected; review your selection before completing your gift.

Loading the secure Donorbox form…

If the form doesn’t load, open the donation form on Donorbox ↗.

Showing up.Lifting our community.✳

What bringsyou our way?

A little help.A lot of dignity.

Your timechanges things.

Put yourkindness to work.

Next up.Come through.

Years of care.Thousands of connections.

Ready for school.Supported by community.

Make roomfor a good thing.

We go wherecommunity happens.

A place to start.A community that cares.

A warm meal.A welcoming moment.

A fresh chapterfor our clothing closet.

Ready forwhat comes next.

A few helpful answers.

Put communityon your calendar.

A place at the table.

Three places.One good cause.

Salon LaRue

The Refuge KC

House of DiamondsHair Lounge

Care thatkeeps showing up.

Ready for school.Supported by community.

The work stays with you.

School supplies.Hot meals.A lasting commitment.

Our communityhas many gathering places.

Rooted in care.Built around people.

Practical help.Lasting possibility.

Stronger families.Thriving neighborhoods.

It startedwith showing up.

Community takes people.

Tracy Johnson

Zenette Kearney

Micah Tribitt

More waysto uplift our neighbors.

Find a connection.Take your next step.

Start with the right next step.

HappyBottoms

Jerry Lee JarrettLife Center

Catholic Charitiesof Kansas City–St. Joseph

MOKAN GoodwillMobile Workforce Unit

Neighbors workingalongside neighbors.

A little of you.A lot of good.

Bring yourhelping spirit.

Something to share?Start here.

Help the workkeep moving.

Your organization.Our community.

Help us keepshowing up.

Your gift becomespart of the work.

Give to RCO

Let’s connect.

Showing up.
Lifting our community.

What brings
you our way?

A little help.
A lot of dignity.

Your time
changes things.

Put your
kindness to work.

Next up.
Come through.

Years of care.
Thousands of connections.

Ready for school.
Supported by community.

Make room
for a good thing.

We go where
community happens.

A place to start.
A community that cares.

A warm meal.
A welcoming moment.

A fresh chapter
for our clothing closet.

Ready for
what comes next.

Put community
on your calendar.

Three places.
One good cause.

House of Diamonds
Hair Lounge

Care that
keeps showing up.

Ready for school.
Supported by community.

School supplies.
Hot meals.
A lasting commitment.

Our community
has many gathering places.

Rooted in care.
Built around people.

Practical help.
Lasting possibility.

Stronger families.
Thriving neighborhoods.

It started
with showing up.

More ways
to uplift our neighbors.

Find a connection.
Take your next step.

Jerry Lee Jarrett
Life Center

Catholic Charities
of Kansas City–St. Joseph

MOKAN Goodwill
Mobile Workforce Unit

Neighbors working
alongside neighbors.

A little of you.
A lot of good.

Bring your
helping spirit.

Something to share?
Start here.

Help the work
keep moving.

Your organization.
Our community.

Help us keep
showing up.

Your gift becomes
part of the work.