One 9-year-old made a big difference for families in need this year at the annual Day of Hope at the Rock of KC Church in Kansas City, Mo.
For her birthday this year, Victoria Robinson did not want birthday presents for herself. Instead, she asked everyone to buy her a blanket so she would be able to hand them out to families at the Day of Hope, which was held Saturday, Dec. 3.
NICK INGRAM/Citizen photo
Victoria Robinson, 9, sorts out the blankets she collected for the annual Day of Hope event held Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Rock of KC Church in Kansas, City, Mo.
Victoria Robinson took the idea from her mother Mary Robinson, director of human services for Platte County and a previous volunteer for the event.
“When my mom came home from the Day of Hope last year and said that the families had to do a lottery to get a blanket,” Victoria Robinson said. “My mom’s family did not get one so I just wanted to make sure everyone could get one.”
Established through the combined efforts of local organizations and churches, Day of Hope seeks to provide genuine aid long lasting hope to people in need. The annual event held around the holidays serves Platte County residents and families enrolled in Platte County R-3 School District.
The Day of Hope provides groceries, hygiene products haircuts, family photos and winter supplies (coats, gloves and hats) in addition to community resources. All of the items come through donations and the work of volunteers.
This year, Victoria Robinson set up her own booth, called “Victoria’s Grace” that was packed with blankets. In total, Robinson collected 87 blankets herself which was enough to ensure that every family that came to the event left with one.
An activity area was setup for children that could create crafts and play games while the parents shopped around the booths. Local boy scouts were also on hand to help carry items to the family’s cars once they were ready to go.