UMKC Student’s Nonprofit Feeds Hundreds for Thanksgiving
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, a University of Missouri-Kansas City senior launched a nonprofit initiative to provide hundreds with nourishing Thanksgiving meals. Dominick Love, founder of Love’s Village, mobilized volunteers and resources to deliver a full holiday feast and essential items to those impacted by food insecurity in Kansas City.
The Heart Behind Love’s Village
Dominick Love, a dedicated UMKC senior, demonstrated remarkable commitment by starting his Thanksgiving preparations at 3 a.m. the day before the holiday. His mission was to personally smoke turkeys, prepare mashed potatoes, and grill beans, all destined to provide hundreds of individuals with a much-needed holiday meal. This extraordinary effort highlights a student’s tangible commitment to making a difference within the Kansas City community.
Responding to a Critical Need in Kansas City
Love’s initiative was a direct and heartfelt response to the recent cuts in SNAP benefits across Missouri and Kansas City. Recognizing the increased food insecurity these cuts would cause, Love’s Village opted for “footwork action” rather than simply observing the challenge. Through generous donations, the organization successfully gathered an impressive 900 pounds of food, transforming it into nourishing hot meals for anyone facing hardship.
More Than Just a Meal: A Comprehensive Community Effort
The Thanksgiving meal distribution, held in Kansas City’s Ivanhoe neighborhood, offered a comprehensive package of support. Beyond the delicious hot meals featuring smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, and grilled beans, attendees also had access to fresh produce, essential hygiene kits, and practical items like hats and gloves. Dominick Love encapsulated the generosity, stating, “Everything that your heart could desire for Thanksgiving.” This holistic approach extended beyond the immediate neighborhood, with volunteers actively delivering meals to various local shelters around town, ensuring the reach of their kindness. The profound impact was evident in community members’ reactions, with Arvesta Schine expressing gratitude: “I feel like that’s good for the community, because not everybody can eat like this every day, or eat like this at all.” The popular dish, according to Schine? “Definitely the mac and cheese.”
| Thanksgiving Offering | Details Provided |
|---|---|
| Hot Meals | Smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, grilled beans |
| Fresh Produce | Various fruits and vegetables for healthy eating |
| Hygiene Kits | Essential personal care items |
| Hats & Gloves | Warm attire for the colder season |
Looking Forward: A Vision for Year-Round Support
While this marked the inaugural official Thanksgiving meal for Love’s Village, Dominick Love’s ambition extends far beyond a single holiday event. His overarching goal is to combat food insecurity consistently, making Love’s Village an accessible resource year-round for anyone in need. “Being able to be a phone call or email away for somebody that is facing some type of food insecurity or anything of that nature, that’s our end goal, being available 365,” Love articulated, emphasizing the collective responsibility with his motto: “It takes a village.” This long-term vision aims to provide continuous support and a reliable safety net for vulnerable members of the Kansas City community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Dominick Love?
Dominick Love is a UMKC senior and the passionate founder of the nonprofit organization Love’s Village, dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the Kansas City area. - What is Love’s Village?
Love’s Village is a nonprofit founded by Dominick Love, focused on providing meals and essential items to individuals facing food insecurity, particularly in response to community needs. - Why was this Thanksgiving initiative started?
The initiative was launched as a direct response to recent cuts in SNAP benefits in Missouri and Kansas City, aiming to provide immediate food assistance to those affected. - Where did the Thanksgiving meal distribution take place?
The primary distribution occurred in Kansas City’s Ivanhoe neighborhood, with volunteers also delivering meals to local shelters throughout the city. - What are Love’s Village’s future goals?
Love’s Village plans to offer year-round support, aiming to be a consistent resource available 365 days a year for anyone experiencing food insecurity.
As Kansas City faces ongoing challenges like food insecurity, initiatives like Love’s Village highlight the profound impact one individual and a community can have. Consider supporting local efforts or volunteering your time to make a difference in your community, echoing the sentiment that “it takes a village” to uplift us all.
UMKC Student Nonprofit Feeds Hundreds for Thanksgiving
