City ThriftResourceful shoppers and thrift addicts have a new hotspot to reclaim undervalued objects and get the high that comes only from defying general retail prices. Formally named 2nd Chance, City Thrift, 7740 Wornall Rd, has totally reshaped its building interior and exterior, merchandise displays, and sorting system to create an overall better shopping experience.

Merchandise ranges from the ordinary to the extraordinary. The most recent gem found was an authentic WWI helmet whose inside was used as a soldier’s diary. City Union Mission, who operates City Thrift, teamed up with Thrift Management Specialists to reform, renovate, and reopen all of their Kansas City thrift locations.

The Waldo location is the first to reopen and features a new façade, flooring, fixtures, signage, fresh paint, new shelving, and fun design. City Union Mission spent more than $100,000 to achieve their renovation goals.

Donations are collected on site or home pick-up can be arranged. City Union Mission uses the proceeds to fund their family and men’s shelter, as well as their rehabilitation and vocation programs. Thanks City Thrift for your service to our city, great deals, and for being Waldo’s Best!

The Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association (MFCAA) is hosting the annual Ribs for Kids event on Saturday, April 28 from 7:30am to 6pm at McGonigle’s Market, 1307 W. 79th St. Five dollars will be donated directly to MFCAA for every fourteen dollar slab of rib sold.

Fourteen dollar tokens are also for sale until the 28th of April. These tokens can be redeemed for ribs at McGonigle’s at any time throughout the year. Tokens can be purchased by calling
816-350-0215 extension 355 or email chelsea@mfcaa.org.

RoadrunnersThe Waldo Roadrunners have been patrolling the Wornall corridor 10 hours a day for more than three years and the patrol bikes were beginning to wear. This month, the Waldo Community Improvement District went to Family Bicycles at 7410 Wornall and purchased three new Fuji Police Special bikes for the Roadrunners.

Safe equipment is vital for the officers to do their jobs. Many citizens, merchants and the KCPD benefit from the presence of Lt. Garcia and his officers. The staff at Family Bicycles takes the Roadrunner’s safety seriously and pays close attention to the condition of their equipment; from helmets to bike tire tread.

A big thank you to our Roadrunners and Family Bicycles for a job well done.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be an artist in an Art Fair? Do you enjoy meeting new people from throughout the country without having to travel? How about people watching at street festivals? These are all possible experiences when you volunteer!

The Brookside Art Annual has more than 50 people giving 3 to 4 hours of their time during the weekend of May 4th. These volunteers are booth sitters who provide artists with a short break time away from their booth for respite; hosts at the information booth, sellers of Brookside t-shirts and other goodies; set-up and clean-up helpers, etc.

Nearly every American has some happy childhood memories about the local YMCA. For me, I remember a large brick building with the county’s deepest pool where I spent hours swimming with friends even though I was convinced that a shark lived at the bottom.

The Cleaver Family YMCA, 7000 Troost Ave, is raising funds that will give the next generation an opportunity to build memories and be inspired towards a healthy and productive life. Youth summer programs are a fundamental need in our community and the YMCA needs your support to make a difference. A range of donation options are available. $50 allows one child to attend a variety of programs, $250 gives ten teens a safe place to socialize, be active, and do homework, $500 teaches ten kids how to swim, and $1000 gets one hundred teens off the streets during summer nights and into a fun and safe environment with caring adults. For more info,please visit KansasCityYMCA.org or call 816-285-9622.

Have you seen the newest marker in Waldo at Gregory and Wornall Rd? This is the Waldo Community Improvement District’s first step to brand and beautify the community. To further advance Waldo’s identity and boundaries, additional gateways and new landscaped areas are being considered. Darryl Hawkins of Innovative Design & Renovation was the designer/contractor for this first project. We will be celebrating the new Gateway on Tuesday, May 1 (May Day) at 11am. Please join the festivities as we dedicate this new addition to the Waldo area!