KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- With winter right around the corner, LaRonda Lanear knows how difficult it can be for families to have everything they need to make it through the season’s harsh temperatures.

“It’s enough to have to worry about bills,” said Lanear, founder of Warm Up KC.

“You don’t want to have to worry about where you’re going to get a coat for your kids, or gloves, or a hat. So, anything we can do to relieve a little bit of stress, that’s what we’re here to do.”

Lanear started Warm Up KC nearly a decade ago with one simple mission: to ensure adults and children across the metro have the essentials to stay warm.

Each year, volunteers gather to distribute coats, hats, gloves and other cold-weather necessities — and the need continues to grow.

“I see the people come through and the

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