Olathe, along with other cities in the area, is raising money to help the homeless this Christmas.
Cities throughout Johnson County set up annual fund drives, called ‘mayoral Christmas tree funds’. When the money raised by these funds is added together, it can total thousands of dollars to help local families in need.
In Olathe, this is the fifth time such a drive has taken place. Dubbed the ‘Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund Egg-stravaganza’, the money raised by the fund goes to support 16 separate local charities, the mission of all of which is to serve Olathe's children.
Olathe's goal for this campaign is to raise $140,000, which will go to the charities, who in turn will use it to provide shoes, clothing, school supplies, food, and healthcare to children in need. Since its inception, the Olathe Christmas Tree Fund has raised half a million dollars, and is on track to double this amount by 2017.
Tony Melchionne, who chairs this year's campaign, said he did not realize how many area residents lack basic necessities until he became involved in the effort. He also notes that even though the economy is slowly improving, the number of needy people is also continuing to rise, making the fund more important than ever.
Olathe officials might work with a postcard printing company to devise a mailer for residents, reminding them of the fund and urging their participation.
