Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP)
Some of our members have been involved from the very beginning, since 1982, volunteering in various ways. We continue with food, school and Christmas donations.
REAP was founded in 1982 to raise funds for Raytown school district residents needing help with utility bills. It was connected at first with the Community Services of Independence, with the office being in our church. It also had a food pantry, and the next year, a Christmas Store was started and 50 families took advantage of it.
By 1990, the demand for services was increasing and REAP became an independent social service agency and added help with rent to clients. Classes were added in foods, budgeting, and job help. REAP was able to assist with back-to-school supplies, also. They soon gained United Way support and $10,000 in assistance from Raytown proper. The majority of funds come from churches, civic organizations, businesses and individuals.
They soon outgrew the church and eventually were able to begin a capital funds drive and constructed a building on a site donated by Ken Blom. The majority of the work was done by volunteers, and some of the materials were donated, also. In 2009, it was officially opened, and continues to serve the community in many ways.