Community Voices
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Counting Blessings and Giving Thanks by Phil Hanson, President and CEO Truman Heartland Community Foundation
As we enter the holiday season, we are reflecting on the many reasons we at Truman Heartland Community Foundation have to be thankful and the ways we can help our donors make an impact on our community through their charitable giving. We are thankful for our hundreds of donors who are committed to making an impact on our community through their charitable giving. On November 16, we held our 23rd Annual Grants Luncheon with more than 200
attendees at Adams Pointe Conference Center. At the celebration we distributed more than $347,000 in grants to 60 local nonprofits on behalf of the 26 endowed charitable funds at the community foundation. Additionally, each year we reach out to our donoradvised fund holders and charitable partners with the opportunity to supplement the grant dollars available through the competitive grants program. We are so thankful to our donors and local partners, including the Junior Services League of Independence, the Kansas City Metro Men’s Chorus and our own Youth Advisory Council, who lend
their support to local charities. This year, our donor advised fund holders and charitable partners generously provided an additional $64,000 in funding. We are very thankful for the generosity of our luncheon sponsor Stewardship Capital and appreciate the work of the local nonprofits who received these grants and who serve our community every day. Now is a great time to give back and show your support for your favorite charities. End of the year giving is critical to many nonprofits, and if you act quickly, your year-end charitable giving could potentially save you thousands in taxes this year.
Looking Back: Helpful Household Tips from 1951 by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
There are a number of gems from the past in the files at the Grain Valley Historical Society. Recently, I came upon a Household Guide from 1951, which was sponsored by the W.S.C.S. group of the Methodist Church in Grain Valley. The book contains 1,001 helpful household hints, many of which are quite humorous to look back on. The tips range from baking, cooking, and kitchen tips and timesavers, to household maintenance and the care and feeding of children. At right is a page from the guide with helpful tips
for children to consider. “Talk in a low, even voice. It denotes refinement,” is one tip offered to children in the guide. Another tip suggests parents shellac children’s games made of cardboard to make them last longer. To read more “Helpful Hints” from the 1951 Household Guide and other news from the Grain Valley Historical Society, sign up on our website to receive our monthly newsletter, The Voice.
The Grain Valley Historical Society Museum, located at 510 Main Street, is open Wednesdays from 10am— 10am —3pm and by appointment. Visit the Historical Society’ Society’s website, www.grainvalleyhistory.com, and follow the Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@grainvalleyhistory).
Pictured above is the Grain Valley Men’ Men’ s Basketball team, circa 1913. Players listed on the back of the photo: Theodore Love, ____ McQuerry, Clarence Mitchell, Elton Wyatt, Otis Williams. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
In my September column, I encouraged everyone to think about their year-end tax planning and for those who are charitably minded, plans for year-end contributions to favorite charities. In light of the new tax laws and the doubling of the standard deduction, utilizing your donor advised fund to bunch your charitable contributions can be a great tax wise way to give back and still continue to itemize charitable deductions. But time is running out to take advantage of this charitable giving tool for this tax season. Create a donor advised fund, and maximize your yearend giving before it is too late.
