One Friday morning, very late in July of this year, attorney Richard Miller was working on plans for Christmas in October; a home repair charity program he co-founded, when the phone rang. The warehouse that stored all the major supplies for the project was in flames and nothing would be saved!

A lot of things went through Miller's mind at that moment: "Was anyone hurt?" "We are eight weeks away from the project date!" "How will we recoup our losses?" There were many concerns - but never did it cross his mind that Christmas in October would not go on. It was a given that the commitment to the 400+ families counting on assistance this fall would somehow be fulfilled.

Christmas in October is the attainment of a dream that Miller, who is senior partner of the Miller Law Firm, and John McMeel, chairman of Andrews McMeel Universal, had 17 years ago. The pair wanted to give something back to Kansas City by rehabilitating the homes of the elderly, disabled and poor in our community. Christmas in October has since grown into the largest volunteer program of its kind in the country, working on 415 homes last year with the help of over 6,000 volunteers.

July's fire was a major setback for the non-profit organization. Working for years on a very lean budget and with one staff person, the building materials were of great value to the success of the project. Large quantities of lumber, sheetrock, paint, roofing materials and glass were all lost - materials that took much time and effort to get donated. Going back to the community for more support was the only option.

Miller appeared on all the local television stations immediately after the fire to reassure the 400 homeowners that Christmas in October would still assist them and to make an appeal for help from viewers. Checks and notes came pouring in from many people - some for $10.00, some for $1,000 and more. Foundations and corporations came through, too. All were appreciated and showed Miller and the others closely involved with Christmas in October the impact CIO has on Kansas City. But even at this date, there is still a long way to go to replace the more than $200,000 in lost goods.

This year was to be a great cause for celebration -plans had been made to work on Christmas in October's 5,000th home. A large number of Kansas City homes have received new plumbing, electrical work, roofs, furnaces, hot water tanks, a new coat of paint and much more - their owners have been given back pride and dignity and safety and warmth. Those are the things Miller and McMeel wanted to give back. Despite the setback, that 5,000th home will be renovated this year by Home Depot and a select All-Star crew of volunteers.

The year 2000 has turned into a real year to remember for Miller and Christmas in October. It has brought tough challenges . . . but still celebration. "What seemed an impossible situation to overcome has brought people together and has shown us so very much about the people of Kansas City. This is not our program - it belongs to the thousands who participate every year to make it what it is," said Miller. "Together we overcame some pretty dire circumstances and we are able to rebuild, renew and move forward with the amazing support of our community."

If you can help, call Dick Miller at 816.531.0755 or send your tax-deductible donation to Christmas in October, 4310 Madison, KCMO 64111.