Debt Collector Gives His Time and Money to Feeding Kansas City?s Hungry

Kansas City — What started four years as a selfless way to give back to people in his community has grown into a passion for Shawnee, Kan. resident Arthur Lott. Today, Lott purchases, prepares and delivers more than 450 meals to men, women and children at three Kansas City, Mo. homeless shelters each month.

Lott, a debt collector for Shawnee Mission, Kan, based Synerprise Consulting Services, began delivering meals at the City Union Mission in Kansas City because, “I just wanted to give back,” he said. Soon after he added meal delivery to reStart Shelter and the City Union Family Shelter. With a state sponsored nutrition and public health training class under his belt, Lott learned to provide a balanced meal, which is most often a turkey sandwich, crackers or cookies, chips and juice.

Chris Coffman, Lott’s colleague at Synerprise Consulting Services and president of the Kansas Collectors Association, supports his efforts and feels Lott’s compassion to others is in high demand these days.

“Arthur’s commitment to collecting donations, buying food and working two days a month passing out meals to families and people in need is inspiring, particularly during these difficult economic times,” Coffman said.

Synerprise Consulting Services employees embrace Lott’s efforts and regularly contribute resources. Over the years there have been friends and family that have joined him in serving meals but he typically works alone.

“He is a soft-spoken, humble family man who quietly has committed to carrying out his mission, even involving his son at times like Christmas and Thanksgiving,” added Coffman.

Lott’s career and volunteerism share a common theme of passion for helping others during challenging times. “I’m proud of my work and enjoy helping people – it’s the same for volunteering, I knew that I could help people who really needed it and it is making a real difference,” he said.

ACA International is the comprehensive, knowledge–based resource for success in the credit and collection industry. Founded in 1939, ACA brings together more than 5,000 members worldwide, including third–party collection agencies, asset buyers, attorneys, creditors and vendor affiliates. ACA International establishes ethical standards, produces a wide variety of products, services and publications, and articulates the value of the credit and collection industry to businesses, policymakers and consumers. For more information about ACA International, visit acainternational.org.