7 Ways You Can Participate in Giving Tuesday

by Miller Family Homes | Dec 1, 2020 | Builder's Story

You may be seeing lots of things about “Giving Tuesday”. According to GivingTuesday.org, Giving Tuesday started in November of 2012 to inspire people and companies to take action and help their community on a local or national level. After a successful “Giving Tuesday” in 2012, 2013’s day saw double the involvement and in 2018 Facebook helped raise $125 million.

This year, more than ever before, what a better way to help your community than take some time to give back. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on every community and Wichita has not been immune. Need has never been higher for donations to food banks, homeless shelters, and non-profits that assist those in our community. If you already have a place you like to donate to, that is fantastic! If you are looking for some ideas, we’ve curated a list of ideas and ways you can participate in Giving Tuesday.

For more information about each organization stated below, links have been included throughout the list that follows. Please keep in mind that some ways to give may be limited due to COVID-19, but most organizations have provided information regarding how you can still donate this year.

WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN GIVING TUESDAY

1. Donate to organizations that help the community.

There are many organizations that need both monetary and new items donated to help them achieve their missions. Here a few that can benefit greatly from any kind of donation you can make.

Kansas Food Bank

Learn more about Kansas Food Bank and their mission here. What to do donate:

• Monetary Donations
• Non-Perishable Items
  • Canned Fruits in Light Syrup or Juice
  • Dried Fruits
  • Whole Grain Crackers
  • Brown Rice
  • Whole Grain Pasta
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole Wheat Flour
  • Cornmeal
  • Whole Grain Breakfast Cereal
  • Canned Low Sodium Vegetables, Soups and Sauces
  • Canned or Dried Beans in Any Variety
  • Canned Chicken
  • Nuts in Any Variety
  • Nut Butters
  • Nonfat Dry Milk
  • Evaporated Milk
  • Shelf-Stable (UHT) Milk

Non-perishable food items can be donated to the Food Bank at 1919 E. Douglas Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. If you have questions, call 265.3663.

Wichita Children’s Home

As the only emergency, temporary and residential care for children in our community, this non-profit relies heavily on community support to make their mission possible. You can learn more about WCH here.

There are many ways you can donate to the Wichita Children’s Home! See a full list of ideas, where to donate and learn more about WCH here.

An easy way to help out WCH is pick up an extra toy, clothing or food item while you’re out shopping and arrange with WCH for a drop off. You can see WCH’s full Wishlist here.

Rainbows United

Rainbows United enhances the lives of children with special needs and their families through community resources and customized services from birth through age 21. You can learn more about Rainbows United through their website.

Currently the need both monetary donations and have a Wishlist of items that they are in need of as well. If you choose to make a monetary donation, you can do so here. Click here to see their Wishlist and learn more about items they need donated.

American Red Cross

Looking to donate on a national level? The Red Cross helps individuals across the country and locally when disaster strikes. If you’re looking to donate for yourself or make a donation as a gift for someone else, the Red Cross has setup a great giving page to understand and choose where your donation dollars go.

ICT SOS

ICT SOS is a relatively new organization within the community. From their website:

ICT SOS is a Wichita-based organization. We act as a liaison between specific local professional organizations who work with at-risk and trafficked youth or adults and the Wichita volunteers who seek to find solutions! By connecting local agencies with volunteers and resources, ICT SOS helps facilitate their missions of fighting sex trafficking.

There are many ways for you to get involved and help ICT SOS. Check out their Give page here to learn more.

Harbor House

Harbor House at Catholic Charities is on a mission to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing a safe place to stay and support services, educational opportunities and referrals to community resources to victims of domestic violence. Learn more about Harbor House and the kinds of donations that are needed here.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

The Ronald McDonald House helps over 1600 sick or injured children and their families through both the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room in the Wesley Pediatric Units. If you’ve ever had a sick or injured child, you know what a relief it is to have access to all that they offer. There are a variety of ways you can donate to the Ronald McDonald Charities through both monetary donations and wish list items.

Operation Christmas Spirit

Going strong for 17 years, Operation Christmas Spirit helps support military families in the form of holiday gratitude and offers many ways to get involved including “Adopting” a Military Family, Donating Online, Hosting a Toy Drive and more! Find out all the ways you can help a military family out this year.

2. Make a difference in others’ lives by volunteering.

Volunteering is a simple way to give back and is completely free to do! By giving your time and energy to another today and beyond, you can make huge impact. Below are a list of organizations and non-profits in the community that often need volunteers and links to the pages on their websites that let you know more about volunteering.

CASA | https://www.casaofsedgwickcounty.org/menus/volunteer_2.html

The Kansas Humane Society | https://www.kshumane.org/how-to-help/volunteer.html

Habitat for Humanity | https://www.habitat.org/volunteer

Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters | https://www.kansasbigs.org/be-a-big

The Lord’s Diner | https://thelordsdiner.org/volunteer/

United Methodist Open Door | https://umopendoor.org/volunteering/

Union Rescue Mission | https://urmwichita.org/how-to-help/volunteer/

Rainbows United | https://rainbowsunited.org/volunteer

3. Instead of Spring Cleaning do a Winter Cleaning.

You’ll probably need more than just one day to do this, but you can start today! Clean out your closets, shelves and storage areas and donate clothing, household items, toys, furniture and more that are gently used and in good condition to places that sell and/or give these items to those in need. Plus, this is a great way to make space for the coming-soon-Christmas gifts and presents that are sure to fill up your home! Here is a list of local places that take in-kind donations, where you can drop off donations, and links for more information.

Carpenter Place

What to Donate: Furniture, Girls & Women’s Clothing, Surplus Office or School Supplies

Questions: 316.942.3221 | Office@CarpenterPlace.org

Donation Drop Off:

1501 N Meridian

Wichita, KS 67203

Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm

Learn More: https://www.carpenterplace.org/about

Wichita Family Crisis Center

What to Donate: View their Wishlist

Questions: 316.263.7501

Donation Drop Off:

1111 N St. Francis

Wichita, KS 67214

Open Monday-Friday 8:00am-4pm

Learn More: https://www.wichitafamilycrisiscenter.org/

Other Ways to Donate: https://www.wichitafamilycrisiscenter.org/how-to-help/

His Helping Hands by Central Christian Church

What to Donate: View Current Needed Items

Questions: 316.838.8528

Donation Drop Off:

1441 E 37^th St

Wichita, KS 67219

Follow the instructions on building signage for drop offs.

Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 9:00am-11:30am

Faith Builders

What to Donate:

• New: School Supplies, Snacks, Diapers, Wipes, Formula & Baby Food
• Gently Used or New:
  • Clothing for Infants & Children
  • Beds
  • Appliances
  • Household Goods
  • Items Necessary to Start Fresh in a New Living Environment

Questions: 316.200.0768

Donation Drop Off:

Imagine That Toys at 29^th & Rock

Learn More: https://beafaithbuilder.org/help-faithbuilders/

DAV Stores

What to Donate: Most Gently Used Items, See a Full List Here

Questions or to Schedule a Pickup: 316.262.7440

Donation Drop Off:

Either Thrift Store Location

Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm

Dress for Success (Women) & Works for Success (Men)

What to Donate: Gently Used, Nearly-New Professional Attire & Accessories, New Makeup, New Undergarments, New Hygiene Items & Men’s Suits (Works for Success ONLY)

Questions: https://wichita.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate/

Dontation Drop Off:

Miller’s Dry Cleaners

Open Monday-Friday 7:00am-7:00pm & Saturdays 9:00am-4:00pm

-OR-

Dress For Success Wichita Office near 13^th & West

Open Mondays from 9:00am-3:00pm

For Men’s Suits | Works for Success located at 555 N. Woodlawn, Ste 3105, Wichita.

Questions: 316.651.1278

4. Donate Without Leaving Your Home.

Amazon Smile is a simple way to get involved in Giving Tuesday and beyond! After setting it up through the click of a few buttons, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice every time you shop at no cost to you. Click here to learn more!

Operation Christmas Child lets you build a gift-filled shoebox online that is then shipped overseas to be given to children in need. You can learn more and build a shoebox all from your computer or mobile phone without leaving home here.

5. Donate Blood or Plasma.

There is a big need for blood and plasma donation this year, especially if you have successfully recovered from COVID. You can learn more about donating blood through the American Red Cross’ website. If you don’t need any further information and are ready to schedule at a local blood donation site, you can do so here. CSL Plasma located here in Wichita is also has a high demand for Plasma donation. You can learn more here.

6. Make Christmas Better for a Child – Buy & Donate a Toy!

Most corporate retail stores and even local stores are participating as both purchase and drop off sites for non-profits that donate new toys to children in need during the holidays. Should you visit a store offering this and you have a little extra to spare, purchase something to be donated that might make this time of year super special for a little one. Here are some examples of non-profits to look for. Click the name of the non-profit to learn more.

• Toys for Tots
• Salvation Army Angel Tree

7. Help Your Neighbor.

One of the easiest ways to participate today – and everyday – is by helping your neighbor, a friend or even a stranger if you see they need help. Hold a door open. Say a kind word. Buy lunch for the car behind you in the drive through. Pick up groceries for a neighbor that is stuck at home. Give some encouragement to your coworkers. These simple acts can make a difference for those that receive them and it is the easiest, most effortless way for you to give back to your community any time of year.

Family Food Recipes for the Holiday Season

by Miller Family Homes | Oct 26, 2020 | Builder's Story

One of the best parts of working for a small business is connecting with your fellow employees, especially during the holiday season. To learn more about one another, we complied family food recipes and shared stories, and now we’d like to share them with you!

Take a look, try them out and let us know your favorite one!

The Miller Family Homes Recipe Book

Fall-Off-The-Bone Cola Chunk Ham – Jeys Family

INGREDIENTS:

1 “Butt” or “Shank” portion of ham (“Spinal” can work, but it may become dry)

2 cups of brown sugar (not precise, can be more or less)

1 can of cola (Coca Cola or generic Coca Cola works well too)

Additional ½ cup of brown sugar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

YOU WILL NEED:

1 Large Crockpot (Make sure the ham fits in it before you start cooking!)

• If you can’t get the lid on, use tin foil to cover the whole top of the crockpot.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put roughly 1 cup of brown sugar in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Put ham on top of brown sugar.
3. Put roughly another cup of brown sugar on top of the ham, spreading it around to cover the ham.
4. Combine the additional ½ cup of brown sugar, Dijon mustard and cola in a saucepan. Cook on high heat until boiling.
5. Remove from heat and dump on top of ham.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
7. Be sure to periodically baste the ham while cooking for ultimate juiciness and flavor.

Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes  – Jeys Family

INGREDIENTS:

4-6 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 russet-style potatoes, cubed –or- 8-12 small red and gold potatoes, cut into 4ths or halves depending upon the size

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 can of milk (use the cream of chicken soup can for the milk)

1 packet of spinach & artichoke warm dip mix

YOU WILL NEED:

1 Medium-Large Crockpot

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Grease the crockpot.
2. Put the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot.
3. Whisk remaining ingredients together and pour over chicken and potatoes.
4. Add your favorite seasonings.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Tangy Ranch Chicken – Jeys Family

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup ranch dressing

1/3 cup yellow mustard – not Dijon

3 tbsp brown sugar

4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix dressing, mustard and sugar. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a nonstick skillet. Sauté chicken until browned, about 10 mins.
3. Stir in reserved sauce. Cook and stir for about 3 minutes until the chicken is well glazed.

Cheesy Chicken Montery – Jeys Family

INGREDIENTS:

1 package of Knorr Chicken Rice Sides or Creamy Chicken Rice Sides

1 can (11 oz) corn, drained

1 can (11 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (11oz) pinto/kidney/garbanzo/or other favorite bean, rinsed and drained

1 Can (4 oz) chopped green chilies, undrained

1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (you can also use a large can – 12.5 oz – of chunk chicken, drained to really speed up the meal)

1-2 cups shredded Monterey Jack, Colby jack, Mexican, Sharp Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese (any of the these or combinations of any of these work just fine)

INSTRUCTIONS IF USING FRESH BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS:

1. Prepare Knorr Rice Sides according to the package directions. Stir in corn, beans and chilies when it’s done.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil or EVOO in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken, stirring frequently, until chicken is thoroughly cooked, roughly 4 mins.
3. Serve with rice-corn-bean mixture on plate first then topped with chicken then topped with cheese.

INSTRUCTIONS IF USING CANNED CHUNK CHICKEN

1. Prepare Knorr rice sides according to the package directions.
2. When it’s done over low to medium heat, stir in the corn, beans, chilies, can of chicken (drained) and cheese.
3. Stir together until well combined.

Chocolate Sheet Cake – Wiederstein Family

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 stick oleo

¼ cup shortening

4 tablespoons cocoa

1 cup water

½ cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon soda

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sift together flour and sugar in large bowl.
2. Place oleo, shortening, cocoa and water in saucepan. Bring to rapid boil.
3. Pour over flour mixture. Stir well.
4. Add milk, soda, eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Bake in greased jelly roll pan.
6. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degree.

ICING:

1 stick oleo

4 tbsp. cocoa

6 tbsp. milk

1 lb. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

ICING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring oleo, milk, cocoa to boil.
2. Remove from heat, then add 1 lb. powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat well.
3. Spread on warm cake in pan. Yields 16 servings.

 Brigadiero – Miller Family

INGREDIENTS:

3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa

1 tbsp. butter

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Chocolate sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cocoa, butter and condensed milk.
2. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let rest until cool enough to handle in a lightly greased dish. Form into small balls with greased hands, dip into sprinkles and eat at once or chill in small bakery cups until serving.

 Beijinho de Coco (Coconut Little Kisses) – Miller Family

INGREDIENTS:

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

3 tbsp. butter, plus more for pan

¼ cup sweetened flaked coconut and some for decorating

Whole cloves for decorating

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring milk and butter to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the milk has reduced to half and thickened to the consistency of caramel, about 20 minutes
3. Remove from heat, stir in the 1/4 cup coconut, and allow to cool a bit before pouring into a buttered bowl.
4. Chill in the refrigerator until cold, about 2 hours.
5. With buttered or oiled hands, form milk mixture into tablespoon-sized balls, and roll in coconut flakes.
6. Stick a clove into each beijinho as decoration.

 Cheesy Party Potatoes – Bunting Family

INGREDIENTS:

1 package frozen hash brown potatoes (cubed or diced, not shredded)

1 bag cheddar cheese

1.5 cups sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup

1.5 sticks melted butter

4 cups of cornflakes

Salt, Pepper, Seasoning Salt, Onion Powder

INGREDIENTS:

1. Add cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half stick of melted butter and cheese to a large bowl and mix well.
2. Add the diced hashbrowns and mix.
3. Add seasonings to taste and mix.
4. Add the potato mixture to a 9×13 inch glass baking dish, lightly greased with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
5. Bake the casserole for 15 minutes at 425 degrees.
6. In another bowl, pour a stick of melted butter over the cornflakes and mix.
7. Take out the casserole when 15 minutes is up and evenly spread your buttered cornflakes over the top.
8. Cook the casserole for another 30 minutes until the cornflakes are a crispy golden brown.
9. Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Want some more ideas? Check out our Pinterest board of Thanksgiving Recipes!

Our Mission

by Miller Family Homes | Aug 25, 2020 | Builder's Story

Our mission is to build better homes and better communities while providing personalized pathways to homeownership. We’re here to listen, support and guide each customer throughout the entire process.

Core Values

When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier. – Roy E. Disney

• Customers First: Providing an enjoyable pathway to homeownership is one of our top priorities. We treat you the way we want to be treated.
• Ownership: Each team member cares about you and your home as if it were our own. We’re committed to quality and being accountable even when no one is looking.
•  Thrive Together: Our achievements come from candid and consistent communication, trusting and respecting each other’s strengths, celebrating victories and empowering each other.
• Continuous Improvement: We seek continuous development and improvement for ourselves, each other, our homes and our communities.
• Building Better Homes: Our dedication to building better, healthier homes means we’re using quality products, making homes more efficient. Plus, we provide warranty programs and customer care even after you’re settled in.

Building better homes. Building better communities. Together.

– Clint Miller, President

Our Story

by Miller Family Homes | Aug 25, 2020 | Builder's Story

Miller Family Homes is a family-owned and -operated homebuilding company. Although our name changed recently, we’re still the same family and team here to provide superior-built homes and quality customer care. With more than 25 years of experience, we continue developing new homes in growing family-oriented communities throughout the Wichita, Kansas, metro area.

Our Story

President Clint Miller and his wife Brigitte had a dream of creating a successful home-building company more than 30 years ago. Clint grew up on a farm and enjoyed the work, so he pursued carpentry and construction. His brothers also shared those passions, so they gained experience and knowledge together building barns and doing trim carpentry. Clint later decided he wanted to learn more about running a business, so he earned his bachelor’s degree in International Business at Wichita State University.

Brigitte grew up in Bolivia but always hoped to move to Brazil for the people and culture. She finally moved to Brazil for high school and loved it, so she stayed to study Portuguese in college. Although she loved her home, the opportunity for learning and adventure inspired her to move to Wichita with a friend to obtain a master’s degree. Brigitte and Clint met while studying at Wichita State University.

After settling down, Clint and Brigitte moved to Chicago for new jobs and opportunities but soon returned to Kansas in pursuit of their true dreams. They officially opened the family business in 1993.

Clint’s passion and knowledge of building plus Brigitte’s amazing connection with people and her eye for design helped create the Miller Family Homes of today. Clint’s main priorities now include heading architectural projects and design on home plans while acquiring land to build communities. Brigitte’s legacy lives on through her sons Kevin and Derek.

Kevin is currently finishing his college degree in Economics. He previously managed the rental company and sold homes as a new home specialist.

Derek officially joined the Miller Family Homes team after attending college and developing his individual skills and experiences. Derek is responsible for land acquisition and development. He also assists with operations and purchasing. His goals for the future include helping with operations and becoming a stronger leader within the company.

The Millers are known for their culture and love for their family heritage which helps guide the company’s core values, culture and mission.