TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local non-profit organization that assists people in northeast Kansas is organizing efforts to make the upcoming holidays better for local residents and families in need.
Staff with United Way of Kaw Valley (UWKV) recently released details about the 2026 Christmas Bureau for Shawnee County. UWKV staff use this initiative to deliver numerous locals and families a holiday meal and gifts by connecting them with local organizations or community “adopters.”
Donna Swaffar, vice president of communications with UWKV, said at least one adult from the household applying must bring their application and documentation to one of four intake events at the Johnstone Community Center located at 2021 SE Market St. in Topeka.
- 2026 intake dates/times
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7
Applicants to the Christmas Bureau must be residents of Shawnee County and must provide information showing their needs. People can submit applications online or by visiting the UWKV’s office at 1527 SW Fairlawn Rd. in Topeka.
UWKV personnel and other partners served more than 1,200 households in 2025, representing just over 3,800 people. UWKV CEO Jessica Lehnherr said her organization is expecting to serve a large number of locals and families again this year.
“Necessities like food, fuel and housing continue to strain household budgets,” Lehnherr said. “We expect our numbers to be high again this year, but we are confident that our community has the capacity and compassion to take care of our neighbors in need.”
Topeka mayor talks auditor, proposed sales tax and search for new city manager
Swaffar said that stricter budgets are one of the main reasons why their organization encourages people to come together to share the cost of adopting.
“Maybe some people have extra cash, but not extra time to shop or wrap,” Lehnherr said. “Other people don’t have extra money, but have time to shop, wrap and deliver. Finding a good mix of friends, coworkers, and family makes it more manageable and more fun. It can be a party with a purpose.”
More information about the United Way of Kaw Valley’s Christmas Bureau can be found online by clicking here. You can learn more about how to become a Christmas Bureau adopter by clicking here.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
