KFF Seeks Community Support for Annual Christmas Program

The Kearney Family Foundation is preparing to provide Christmas assistance to about 300 children in the Kearney School District this holiday season, and organizers are asking the community to help make the effort possible.

Each year, local residents help by “adopting” children and purchasing and wrapping clothing, shoes and gifts. The foundation also raises more than $40,000 for Price Chopper gift cards, which are distributed to participating families so they can purchase a Christmas meal.

The nonprofit has provided holiday assistance to Kearney School District children in need since 2003. The program is supported in several ways across the community: donors adopt families and contribute money, a local supporter purchases coats for every participating child, and the school district and area beauty salons collect toiletries during Red Ribbon Week.

Organizers said the most immediate needs are financial contributions for the grocery gift cards and a confirmed location where donated items can be stored for one week. Gift cards may also be purchased directly, typically in amounts of $300, $400 or $500 depending on family size, and coordinated with the foundation for collection.

Families will be assigned to donors in November. Financial donations are being accepted now through early December. The foundation is also developing a more user-friendly website for assigning families during the 2026 Christmas season; organizers expect it to be ready when enrollment opens at the end of October.

Supporters may adopt a family, make a financial contribution online at www.kearneyfamilyfoundation.org/donate, arrange for a check to be picked up, or mail a check to Kearney Family Foundation, P.O. Box 391, Kearney, MO 64060.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.