|
|
|
Independence, MO —
Mark Cianciolo has been volunteering with Cargo Largo’s Cargo for Kids since it began three years ago. The program helps homeless children in the Independence School District by supplying them with a backpack filled with school supplies and other items they need to start the school year.
The annual “Stuffing Day” is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Independence Cargo Largo store. Volunteers are still needed to stuff the backpacks that will later be distributed to the students.
Why did you get involved with the Cargo for Kids program?
When the initiative started in 2009, I was an employee on a consultant basis. It was something that I was very passionate about because it is helping homeless children in our own community. It is something I enjoy helping with and something that is needed in Independence.
Have you been surprised about how much support the Independence community has shown?
Absolutely not. People in the Midwest are a great group of giving people. We want to help those who need it. I think that is what you are seeing with Cargo for Kids.
You recently served as the director of the program’s first golf tournament fundraiser. How do you think the event went in its first year?
I think this was a great event. We had 26 teams in our first year, which was great and it was a good way of bringing awareness of this problem to the Independence community. It was a good vibe the whole day, and I think we can only build from there.
Why is this such an important program to you?
I feel that if you can give a child the chance to succeed, then you are doing something good. Many of these families have not chosen to be homeless. It is up to the community to help the children better themselves. If you help the child, then you ultimately help the family.
Mark Cianciolo has been volunteering with Cargo Largo’s Cargo for Kids since it began three years ago. The program helps homeless children in the Independence School District by supplying them with a backpack filled with school supplies and other items they need to start the school year.
The annual “Stuffing Day” is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Independence Cargo Largo store. Volunteers are still needed to stuff the backpacks that will later be distributed to the students.
Why did you get involved with the Cargo for Kids program?
When the initiative started in 2009, I was an employee on a consultant basis. It was something that I was very passionate about because it is helping homeless children in our own community. It is something I enjoy helping with and something that is needed in Independence.
Have you been surprised about how much support the Independence community has shown?
Absolutely not. People in the Midwest are a great group of giving people. We want to help those who need it. I think that is what you are seeing with Cargo for Kids.
You recently served as the director of the program’s first golf tournament fundraiser. How do you think the event went in its first year?
I think this was a great event. We had 26 teams in our first year, which was great and it was a good way of bringing awareness of this problem to the Independence community. It was a good vibe the whole day, and I think we can only build from there.
Why is this such an important program to you?
I feel that if you can give a child the chance to succeed, then you are doing something good. Many of these families have not chosen to be homeless. It is up to the community to help the children better themselves. If you help the child, then you ultimately help the family.
