Christmas In October Needs Help All Year

Gary Rixson

IntroductionA regional vice president of business development at

Balance Innovations, Gary Rixson has over 20 years of experience in technology. Gary Rixson is an advocate for economic empowerment and supports Christmas in October.

For 30 years Christmas in October (CIO) has rebuilt houses and neighborhoods in Kansas City. CIO brings together volunteers to improve the homes and lives of the elderly and disabled, as well as veterans and low-income homeowners. The big project day is in October of each year. Thousands of volunteers come from all over the metro area to paint, build, clean, and plant in and around houses and churches in the city.

Christmas In OctoberIt takes about $1,000 in donations to repair the typical home

of those requesting help. Corporations donate materials, funds, and volunteer teams, and individuals and families also volunteer and spend the day working on houses and community buildings. CIO can use the labor of anyone willing to help. Specific tradespeople are needed, like electricians and plumbers, for example, but hands are also needed for feeding the volunteers, caulking, painting, and cleaning.

Last year Christmas in October drew 5,000 volunteers and helped 450 homeowners make improvements to their properties. Christmas in October uses 100 percent of the funds donated to help with the building and restoration projects.