Volunteering for any non-profit requires an investment of time and energy, but, most importantly, it demands a desire on the part of a volunteer, to improve the lives of others, even through the completion of seemingly mundane tasks like stuffing envelopes or filing. Volunteers are not paid employees and as such, are typically assigned the less glamorous projects and responsiblities within an organization.

Some volunteers log an hour of service with an organization, while others devote thousands of hours to non-profits, and maybe only occasionally hear a ‘thank you’ or ‘good job’. Volunteering is supposed to be a reward in and of itself, but if there is no gratitude expressed for a job well done the incentive for a volunteer to continue investing his or her time and energies  in a particular organization is eclipsed by this lack of appreciation. 

That being said, we at the Light House would like to reiterate how very thankful we are to all of our volunteers, who have and do contribute to the success of this ministry. Without your help, we might not have survived to celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2009. With your help, we will not only survive, but thrive during the next 25 years of ministry.

Jennifer

The walk will raise funds that will directly benefit Light House clients. The event will also emphasize the importance of the preservation and protection of innocent, unborn life. It will be celebrate and honor life in all phases of development.

Currently, we are in the beginning stages of planning this event and like anything in its infancy, this process is still unsteady in most details.  There are volunteers to recruit and committees to organize, and amidst this seemingly ceaseless barrage of activity it’s easy to forget that God should be the true navigator of every ministry and His will should be the tail fire of every push toward each goal.

So, please pray for sunshine and for God’s blessing upon the walk in May, because no matter how much planning we do ourselves, the end result will always rest in His hands.

Jennifer

The New Year is just around the corner! As you begin to think about year-end giving, we pray you will remember the Light House.

Approximately 60% of our income comes from churches, businesses, and individuals just like you. Simply put, we would not be here without your support.

Here are a few ways you can donate:

Online. Click on the pink icon up at the top right corner that says “Donate Now.” You can donate this way 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! You can even save your credit/debit card information and set up recurring (i.e. monthly, etc.) donations. Simple!

Mail in a check. Our mailing address is: PO Box 22553, KC MO 64113. Just make sure your donation is postmarked by December 31st, 2010, for it to count towards 2010 giving.

Call us. We can process credit card and bank draft donations from our office, too. Call Stacey Stark at 816-361-2233 x208.

50% MISSOURI TAX CREDITS AVAILABLE:
Did you know that if you have a Missouri tax liability, your donation may be eligible for a tax credit equal to 50% of your donation? Click HERE for more information, or call us. It’s a great way to make your charitable dollars go even further!

Missouri Maternity Home Tax Credit

Your gift to the Light House can reduce your taxes in two ways:

1. If you itemize your annual deductions, you may be able to subtract the entire amount from your total federal taxable income.

2. You also may be able to subtract half the amount of your donation, dollar for dollar, directly from your Missouri tax liability.

How this works: The Light House has 50% Missouri Maternity Home Tax Credits available to those individuals and businesses who donate $100 or more.

If you pay Missouri income tax, personal or business, you qualify to benefit from this program.

To make a Tax Credit gift or for more information, contact Candy Carlton at candy@lighthouse-inc.org or 816-361-2233 x208.

Consider this Sample Tax Credit Gift

(For a $1,000 gift from someone in a 35% tax bracket)  

Only $90 came out of the Donor’s pocket!

A donor in the 10% tax bracket (who itemized deductions) can make a gift to the Light House and receive back 66% of that gift in tax benefits from the state and federal governments. Your $1,000.00 gift “cost” you $340.00

A donor in the 15% tax bracket (who itemized deductions) can make a gift to the Light House and receive back 81% of the gift in tax benefits from state and federal governments. Your $1,000.00 gift “cost” you $290.00.

A donor in the $25% tax bracket (who itemized deductions) can make a gift to the Light House and receive back 81% of the gift in tax benefits from state and federal governments. Your $1,000.00 gift “cost” you $190.00.

A donor in the 35% tax bracket (who itemized deductions) can make a gift to the Light House and receive back 91% of the gift in tax benefits. Your $1,000.00 gift “cost” you $90.00!