By Mary Zahner Bauer, KCH Director of Donor Relations
Published:  May 10, 2022

Have you ever walked into a store and immediately fell in love with every item you saw? When you feel like you have found the perfect place that fits your own unique personality and with every visit find another new treasure, you cannot wait to take it home to share with the people close to you. This is how I feel each time I enter the doors of Heart & Soul, a Story Bazaar by Kansas City Hospice. When visiting this store I am always amazed by the varied artwork on the walls, the impressive mid-century and antique furniture, and the surprisingly intricate area rugs that cover the floor. There are lamps, vases, china and pottery – all being sold to support families served by Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care (KCH). Heart & Soul, a sister location to Story Boutique, is a volunteer-run store, led by the efforts of longtime volunteer Debbie McWatters. 

Jim and Jeanne Bell are two Heart & Soul volunteers recruited by Debbie. Jim describes Debbie as the most dynamic person they have ever met. “When she first came up with the idea about having an estate sale to benefit Kansas City Hospice, I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it,” shares Jeanne. “I wanted to help her with this cause that she and her late husband, Keith, were so passionate about. I don’t think any of us had any idea that it would turn out to be what it is now. We are all so proud to be a small part of helping this wonderful organization. It is truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

In 2017, Debbie and a group of volunteers started repurposing items like vases, dishes and picture frames by cleaning, painting and decorating these items and then moved on to larger items like furniture. The group created a business name and began to sell these items inside the Olathe antique mall, Sentimental Journeys, with the intent to donate 100% of sale profits to KCH. Since 2017, the resale store has grown tremendously and now has a new permanent location located at 12904 State Line Rd in Leawood, Kansas. 

Debbie (front, center) and her volunteer team outside Heart & Soul, a Story Bazaar.

The Heart & Soul name is befitting of the people who make it happen:  a team of dedicated volunteers and their fearless leader. Debbie and her sister came up with the name to describe the spirit of the volunteers and the many people who donate their preloved treasures to benefit the important work of Kansas City Hospice.

Visit Heart & Soul on Tuesdays from 12 noon to 8 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm