(KANSAS CITY, MO)  City Union Mission's provides free medical services and urgently needs donations of over-the-counter flu and cold medicine this week to continue offering homeless guests with the proper healthcare they need.

Medicines needed include cough drops, throat lozenges, sinus and cold medicine, athlete's foot powder or cream, multivitamins, vitamin C, and medicine for upset stomachs.  All medicine must be alcohol-free.  ChapStick is also needed.

"We need help this week.  Our shelves are empty in regards to cold and flu-related medicine," said Lee Berns, Director of Men Ministries at City Union Mission.  "If everyone could pitch in, it would ensure that our homeless guests get what they need.  In this cold weather, we see many sick men, women, and children, who have been out in the cold and have not been able to care for themselves."

City Union Mission is the only area shelter that employs a full-time nurse and provides free medical services. 

CELEBRATE HOPE - Reach Out to KC's Poor and Homeless campaign is an effort to raise $2.9 million dollars, nearly half of the Mission's annual budget, by January 15, 2006.  The Mission is thankful for the $733,000 that has been donated towards the goal, although it is still $18,000 behind schedule.  Tax-deductible monetary donations are greatly needed and appreciated.