Joplin Utility Giant Keeps Holiday Lights Burning Bright for Foster Kids with Generous Donation

JOPLIN, Mo. — In a heartwarming gesture that underscores the spirit of the season, Missouri American Water kept the tradition alive by donating a check to help support local foster children, presenting a substantial donation to Fostering Hope’s annual Christmas of Hope program.

The Joplin-based water utility, which serves more than 70,000 residents across the region, handed over funds raised through employee-driven efforts matched by the company itself totaling nearly $1,900 to help ensure that hundreds of foster kids in the Four-State area wake up to gifts under the tree on Christmas morning.

“We had almost $900 raised by employees, and then we’re donating $1,000,” said Missouri American Water senior external affairs manager Christie Barnhart. “I think it’s just that all of our employees have a soft spot for kids, and anything that helps kids, they just really enjoy that. And so, it’s become a fun way for us to give back and to recognize the organization and everything they do for foster children in the area.”

Missouri American Water employees emphasized their love for children and desire to give back locally, noting that many kids in the foster care system need to know the community cares about them and that they matter.

“It makes me have faith in humanity,” Barnhart said about the generosity this time of year. “It warms my heart to see that people do care. I know that these children, it’s important that they know that a community cares about them and is supporting them and the families as well. So, to me, that’s probably the most rewarding aspect, is letting them know, hey, we know you’re here. We care.”

Fostering Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster families and children in Jasper County and beyond, organizes the Christmas of Hope initiative each year to fulfill holiday wish lists for those in need. The program relies on community donations to purchase toys, clothing, and other essentials, transforming what could be a somber holiday into one filled with joy and normalcy.

This year’s shopping spree kicked off on Wednesday at the 15th Street Walmart in Joplin, where volunteers poured over lists from nearly 600 children — a record number approaching the organization’s goal. With the latest infusion from Missouri American Water brings Fostering Hope one step closer to making every wish come true.

“Wednesday is our big shopping day,” Fostering Hope Executive Director Sarah Burch told NewsTalk KZRG. “It is the most fun day, I think of the year. It’s Christmas chaos, that’s how I like to describe it. If you like to shop, if you like to just be around the Christmas spirit, if you can come Wednesday, I would highly encourage it. The way we make this happen is we have so many volunteer shoppers come out and help us that day because we’re shopping for over 500 kids. It takes a lot.”

Fostering Hope leaders expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership, highlighting that the donation helps sponsor children directly involved in the local foster care system and shows the community’s big heart.

The Missouri American Water donation drive was powered by about 30 dedicated employees at Missouri American Water’s Joplin office, who rallied colleagues through raffles and fundraisers — including a popular draw for Kansas City Chiefs tickets donated by the local IBEW chapter.