Tribute to Johnson County, Kansas, Christmas Bureau

by Dennis Moore

 TRIBUTE TO JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS, CHRISTMAS BUREAU

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 HON. DENNIS MOORE

 OF KANSAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, June 26, 2003

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and congratulate the Johnson County Christmas Bureau for their great work in helping the needy in our community. The Johnson County Christmas Bureau is a nonprofit organization that has been bringing Christmas joy and holiday assistance to thousands in the Kansas City area for nearly forty years.

Working out of a donated office with donated storage space, every year the Bureau puts together a "Christmas shop" for the disadvantaged, where each eligible family member can get a gift, a new item of clothing, personal items, used coats and a wide array of groceries. Each individual can choose his or her items, preserving the dignity of the family while bringing joy to those in need. The Bureau has received most of its funding through individuals, schools and church organizations--they strive to keep their overhead low so that more money may be used to provide a Merry Christmas to the needy.

I want to recognize the great contribution that the Johnson County Christmas Bureau has made to the Kansas City community and to the many lives which they have brightened. Last year, the Bureau helped over eight thousand families and this year they expect to serve many more. The many people who volunteer numerous hours from their busy lives for the Christmas Bureau, just to see the joy on the faces of others, remind us how fulfilling charity can be. It is my pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to place in the Congressional Record this tribute to the good works of the Johnson County Christmas Bureau.

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