We in Kansas City often point with pride to our charitable endeavors. There are huge foundations here and generous people and companies.

But sometimes we forget the quiet workers . . . even when they're so devoted they literally donate entire vacations to a cause. And even when that week or two is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg.

That is the scenario for three especially dedicated workers--not that you'd learn about their efforts from them, though. They include Darlene Limback, a research associate in the Department of Physiology at KU Medical Center. After 40 years in three different labs there, she currently works in the Reproductive Center. Another is Barbara Mueth, Vice President of Community Relations for Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics for the last nine years. The third is Steve Rinne, who happens to be married to Barbara, and who, after 23 years in engineering, is now pursuing a graduate degree in psychology.

These are the tri-chairs for Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry's annual Christmas store in Wyandotte County. This is the largest of three locations (the other two are in Jackson County) that every year helps the poor have a holiday that includes food, clothing and gifts. All three devote not only the traditional "countless hours" to collect the items, find volunteers, arrange them for the "store," but then each takes off an entire week of December to pull off the event.

"Oh, don't talk about us," protests Mueth. "Steve and I are the newcomers. The real story is about Darlene who's volunteered for years and all the people like her who have donated so much of their time and money for so long-- and who are the inspiration for us new kids to this project."

Last year, when Limback was working at the Wyandotte County store, donations were depleted and families received less than usual. At that point, she vowed to do "whatever it took" to make this year's store better--and that included taking a week of vacation from work to set up the store and help run it for four days.

But Limback is equally unwilling to take any credit, saying simply, " 'Whatever it took' seems to have been Barb and Steve. Barb involved the Central Exchange, they both got new people drawn in, gave us new energy and a great deal of organization."

Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry was founded more than 30 years ago as a collaboration among most of the Lutheran churches in the metro area as a way to coordinate and expand their community outreach efforts. Today it is supported by 50 Lutheran churches as well as other churches and synagogues. MLM provides the area's only homeless center which is open during daytime hours, food pantries, elderly assistance programs and other services for the poor.

The MLM Christmas Stores were established soon after MLM was founded, and many of the volunteers who work at the stores have been doing so for more than 25 years. The word "store" is a bit of a misnomer in that all the items are free, but it is like shopping as the people choose the items they would like for themselves and their children.

Last year, the Wyandotte County location served 977 families with more than 400 volunteers; together, all three stores helped more than 1800 families, more than 4,000 individuals. Each family receives a gift item and a knit item (hats, gloves, etc.) for each family member, plus a ham, food coupons, a gift bag from Hallmark, a blanket and a Bible.

"It was far harder serving 900 families than I ever thought it would be--and far more rewarding than I ever thought it would be," says Darlene. "What was especially wonderful was that this year, the people who came the last days of the event had choices--that's the important thing. And that we keep improving."

Contributions for next year are already being accepted. MLM's major fundraising event "Spring Fling" is April 5. Contact Barbara Mueth at 816.346.1341 for more information.