Local families come together for a community meal effort ahead of Christmas
As the holiday season arrives, acts of quiet generosity continue to surface across Excelsior Springs. One of those efforts took shape this week inside a local garage, where meal kits lined the walls, each carefully labeled and prepared for families who needed a little extra help this Christmas.
Skyla Sullivan coordinated the effort after getting the idea from her mother, Shelley McKown, who has long made a habit of helping others when she can.
“My mom is always doing stuff like this,” Skyla said. “She really honed in on it when the SNAP changes were happening and knew it was going to be a rough time of year for a lot of people.”
By the time of pick ups, more than 38 individual meals had been assembled, each one selected by the family receiving it. They actually prepared over 50 meals to distribute.
Instead of offering hot, prepared meals, Skyla set up a SignUpGenius form that allowed families to choose meals they knew they would actually eat. Options ranged from spaghetti and meatballs to chili, chicken enchiladas, biscuits and gravy, homemade pizza kits, soups with grilled cheese, breakfast meals, and kid-friendly favorites like chicken strips and dino nuggets.
“That was important to us,” Skyla said. “We did not want to just hand people a bunch of stuff they might not use. This way they could choose something that worked for their family.”
Each kit included the ingredients needed to prepare the meal at home, with fresh items added just before pickup. Families were also invited to browse a table of extra items, including cereal, snacks, juice, seasonings, small gifts, and stocking stuffer items while supplies lasted.
The project was largely family-driven. Shelley spearheaded the shopping and preparation, often stocking up when items were on sale and storing them until they could be used. Skyla helped manage sign-ups and distribution, while cousin Olivia Holt and Skyla’s sister also contributed food and time. A few community members dropped off additional items as well.
Seeing her mother lead the effort has left a lasting impression on Skyla.
“It is really inspiring,” she said. “I wish I could do more financially, but this has made it a goal for me moving forward.”
The response from the community has been emotional. Skyla said many of the families picking up meals are facing difficult circumstances, including job loss, seasonal work slowdowns, and housing instability.
“People are hurting,” she said. “That is why we are doing this. Just to help and give them hope.”
One of the pickups involved more than just food. When Skyla and her mother learned that a family receiving meals had a baby, Shelley ordered diapers and wipes to include with the kit.
Natalinn Collins, who helped pick up meals for a family friend, said the gesture meant more than words could capture.
“I know my mom’s friend does not like to ask for help,” Collins said. “What Skyla and her mom are doing is an amazing thing, and I know a lot of people are benefiting from it. She is just an amazing person all around.”
Any meals not claimed by the end of the pickup window were set to be donated to Colony Plaza to ensure nothing went to waste.
For Skyla, the effort is just one example of what makes Excelsior Springs special.
“There is a lot of heartache out there,” she said. “But there are also a lot of people who care.”
As the holiday season continues, this project stands as one of many quiet reminders that community support does not always come from large organizations or formal programs. Sometimes, it starts with a mom, a garage, and a simple desire to help neighbors through a hard season.
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