Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Love Fund for Children? 

The Love Fund for Children is a local 501(c)(3) organization founded by FOX4 in 1981 following the groundswell of viewer support after airing the news series “Thursdays Child.” Since then, the Love Fund for Children has met critical needs for over 220,000 children, in 37 counties.  

Over 20,000 children in the Kansas City metro area are living in poverty every single day, the need for support is greater than ever before. Each year the Love Fund for Children works to fill the gaps in youth services for thousands of children in our community.

What type of assistance does the Love Fund provide?

The Love Fund for Children focuses on providing assistance not available by any other agency or community resource. All items provided by the Love Fund are new.

In 2023, items and assistance were provided to over 8,700 children, these items include: 

⦁ New clothing and shoes

⦁Fresh beds and bedding

⦁ Extracurricular fees and gear

⦁ Hygiene items

⦁ School supplies and backpacks

⦁ Counseling

⦁ Technology and communication devices

⦁Holiday gifts

⦁ Safety devices

and so much more….

The Love Fund for Children is unable to allocate resources for: food, utility assistance, rent and past due bills.

Who can receive Love Fund assistance?

The Love Fund for Children provides goods and services to any child with an unmet need that has been validated and applied for by a third party youth service professional.  The child/children must be age 18 or younger and must reside within a 37-county area (see image below).

Who can apply for assistance, and when?

The Love Fund for Children works with, and through, a network of professionals or “youth advocates”. These professionals identify a child in need and apply for specific assistance on the child’s behalf. Our network of youth advocate professionals includes; case managers, social workers, school counselors, therapists, and medical professionals. If you are a youth advocate looking to apply, please email info@fox4lovefund.org and request the current years application. The Love Fund application period is open from mid-February to mid-October. Youth advocates should make sure they are using the application dated with the current calendar year.

I am not a youth advocate; how can my child get assistance?

At this time, we are only able to work through a certified youth service professional to allocate resources. This “third party” must be intimately familiar with your needs and situation and that of your children. This person may contact The Love Fund for Children to request an application. If your child is in school please reach out to the school counselor’s office, they can be of help in applying. The youth advocate must contact us to request an application for assistance using their work email. The Love Fund has certain criteria needed for allocating resources, which we can discuss with the professional.

Another option for assistance would be to call 2-1-1 from a landline; this will connect you with the United Way. The United Way can advise you of resources within your neighborhood.

Is money ever given directly to the family or to the child?

The Love Fund for Children does not provide funding directly to the family or a child. Depending on the type of assistance, a voucher or wish list will be provided for the goods needed. In the case of camp, education or other services, the Love Fund for Children pays the provider directly.

I’ve applied for child assistance, now what?

Once the application is received, depending on the type of request, the approval process can take between 30 and 90 days. The Love Fund for Children staff will contact the youth advocate if additional information is required and provide an estimated timeframe for approval. Please complete the application fully and include all required documentation to ensure timely approvals.

How does the Love Fund raise money to help children?

The Love Fund for Children receives no government or state funding, but relies solely on donations from private family foundations, corporate sponsors, individuals and events. If you would like to sponsor an event, please contact us at info@fox4lovefund.org

Doesn't FOX4 provide your funding?

We are thrilled to be a legacy of FOX4’s commitment to the community and while we don’t receive funding from FOX4 they generously provide in-kind donations in the form of media coverage and work space for our employees in their offices. This unique partnership has allowed the Love Fund to operate on a minimal budget with big impact!  

What are some ways I can help the Love Fund to assist these children in my community?

There are many ways you can help children in your community.

1) Contribute a one-time gift; Monetary donations are always welcome and can be sent to Love Fund for Children at 3030 Summit, Kansas City, MO 64108, or by using the “Donate Now” button on top right corner of this site.

2) Set up a monthly contribution; signing up to donate just $10 a month can help fulfill a child’s need this year.

3) Participate in our program drives and purchase items off our Amazon wish list.

4) Partner with the Love Fund for Children to create your own giving experience. 

Crystal Yarnell, Development Manager, (816) 932-9107

5. Good-hearted and hard-working volunteers are adored by the Love Fund for Children if you are interested in joining the Love League or the Emerging Leaders Board. Reach out to join at info@fox4lovefund.org.

6. Participate in events such as Back to School Bash, Sack-It for Santa, It’s In the Bag, and the Golf Classic. These events directly benefit the children the Love Fund for Children serves.

7. Get the word out about the Love Fund for Children: LIKE and follow our social media sites, share our posts and speak with your friends, family and co-workers about our efforts and successes.

I have an idea for a fundraising event that I’d like to organize to help the Love Fund.  What do I do?

Third-Party events are always welcome at the Love Fund for Children. Please contact us for additional information.

What results do we see?

"Three children now have coats and shoes to keep them warm this winter.  This will keep them comfortable as they go to school and attend many medical appointments."

"Parent was overwhelmed with appreciation!" 

"Reduced neglect of the children and stabilized the family in their home."

"The children are now properly dressed, providing warmth, reducing hypothermia during the winter and other weather related infections."

"By receiving the items the children were able to sleep in a comfortable bed and not on the floor, and were able to purchase warm clothing for the winter months."

"It was amazing.  I had my moms and grandmothers became overjoyed with emotion when these sacks were delivered.  Many of the client’s families I delivered to, this was the only Christmas gifts the kids received.  The sacks were filled with great gifts and brought so much joy and happiness to so many.  THANK YOU!!!!!"

"These were greatly appreciated they provided some basic necessities that the parents may not have been able to provide for their child.  I liked that the sacks provided hats, gloves, body wash, finger nail polish, socks and other self-care items because it reminds people to think about self-care."

"The family was thrilled to receive a holiday gift for their teenager.  The family commented that many other programs have an age limit of 13."

"I had one particular client who had never received a Christmas gift and was elated to receive a bag filled with multiple things.  Overall, it was evident that the client felt special for that moment and appreciated the thoughtful act."