Just days after celebrating its third anniversary, Kaleidoscoops Ice Cream Shop, located at 6609 Parallel Parkway, had a big setback.
The neighborhood ice cream shop opened Nov. 9, 2019, not knowing that in the months ahead, a pandemic would pretty much shutter the world. But Kaleidescoops survived, thanks in part to a great product, community support, and an owner that readily embraced the community.
Now the community is embracing Kaleidescoops ice cream shop and its owner April Redic. The small community business was broken into during the night of Mon., Nov. 14.
Visibly shaken, Redic took to social media with the bad news. The burglars went straight for the cash – money that was to pay for their next inventory order they were expecting to arrive this week. Repair costs for the related property damage – a shattered front door – wasn’t much more than their deductible, but it created yet another unexpected financial burden for the small businesses.
In response to her post, friends and customers came to help Redic, who in three short years has done so much for the community. The weekend before Halloween, Redic partnered with the Kansas City Police Department to sponsor a trunk or treat in the parking lot where Kaleidoscoops is located. On Halloween, she offered a free scoop of ice cream for children in costumes. In the past, she’s offered a free scoop on Election Day to people who come in to show their “I Voted” sticker. She opened her space for book signings and held special days for area schools, with a portion of the day’s proceeds going towards the school’s PTA.
The store is back open, but Wyandotte County Commissioner Andrew Davis, whose district the store is located in, says he’s especially sad to see something like this happen, especially to a community-focused business.
To make donations, you send funds via Cash App $APRILREDIC or PayPal KALEIDOSCOOPSKCK@GMAIL.COM. Donations can also be brought by the store.