Expiring tax credit could cut donations for abused children

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With recent cases of child abuse making headlines in Kansas City, donations have been pouring in for one victim.

However, the agencies that help hundreds of abused children are not only not seeing more money -- and they're worried an expiring tax credit will cause donations to drop.

"It is a big deal, since the tax credit was enacted, we have seen more than $500,000 in donations that were eligible," said Lisa Mizell, the CEO of the Child Protection Center . CPC helps more than 800 children each year by providing one-on-one interviews with children after severe abuse. The interviews are recorded and shared with all agencies investigating that child's case of abuse.

The Children In Crisis tax credit, expiring August 28, was a great deal. Half of every donation over $100 was given back as a credit. Now that the credit is disappearing, organizations like CPC are scrambling to contact donors who might not give as much once the credit expires.

CPC is one of 35 Missouri agencies where donations are eligible for this credit. Jackson County Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Synergy Services are also on that list.