Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L), a subsidiary of Great Plains Energy, announced that it has received more than $500,000 in contributions from the community and will match $500,000 for a total of $1 million to assist those ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

"The heart of Kansas City is clear from the tremendous response. Contributions from customers, employees and other members of the community poured in and enabled us to meet our $1 million goal much faster than what we anticipated," said Mike Chesser, chairman and CEO of Great Plains Energy, Inc. "The response to the campaign truly has been amazing and gratifying. We're proud that so many Kansas Citians are reaching out to help those in need and are particularly glad to be able to make those dollars go further through our matching program."

Even though KCP&L has reached its matching contribution goal and will not be matching any further contributions, the company will continue its campaign through Oct. 31. Contributions still can be made by check or money order, payable to American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Fund and mailed to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 412844, Kansas City, MO 64141-2844.

In addition, KCP&L, partnering with Heart to Heart International, and with the support of select Kansas City-area Hy-Vee grocery stores, will continue to provide collection points for items most needed by Hurricane Katrina victims through October 7. Hy-Vee collection points are 8301 NW St. Clair Ave., Kansas City, Mo.; 7620 State Line Road, Prairie Village, Kan.; and 8900 W. 135th St., Overland Park, Kan.

"One thing that stands out about this particular fundraising effort is how the entire community, from school children to corporations, pitched in to make a difference," commented Bill Downey, KCP&L president and CEO. "We received a number of contributions from children who organized lemonade stands and donated the proceeds. And we received outstanding support from larger organizations such as the Blue Springs School District that presented a check for $48,000; and Controlled Environment Products, Kansas City, Mo., that donated seven pallets of products to the relief effort. This type of effort shows what a caring community Kansas City is and how much people want to make a difference in people's lives."

Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, KCP&L is a regulated provider of electricity in the Midwest.