About - The Magic Potty Story

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The Beginning

Over 7 years ago, a porta-potty was left behind at a construction site at the intersection of Blackwell/Blue Parkway and 50 Highway in Lee's Summit, Missouri. What should have been a temporary fixture became a permanent resident of the neighborhood.

Rather than see it as an eyesore, one family saw an opportunity to bring joy to their community.

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The Jackson Family

Troy Jackson and his family were the visionaries behind the transformation. Each holiday season, they began decorating the lonely porta-potty with festive lights and decorations, turning it into a whimsical display that captured the hearts of passersby.

"We never expected it to become what it is today. We just wanted to bring a little joy to our corner of Lee's Summit. The community response has been incredible."
— Troy Jackson

What started as a simple family project quickly grew into something much bigger as word spread and visitors began stopping to see the decorated potty.

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From Decoration to Donation

As more people visited the illuminated porta-potty, the Jacksons saw an opportunity to channel the community's enthusiasm into something meaningful. They placed a donation bin next to the display and partnered with Coldwater of Lee's Summit, a local nonprofit serving families in need.

Visitors began calling it the "Magic Potty" — a name that perfectly captured the unexpected wonder of this roadside attraction that was making a real difference in people's lives.

Year 1

First decorations added to the forgotten porta-potty

Year 2

Word spreads on social media; visitors begin stopping by

Year 3

Donation bin added; partnership with Coldwater begins

Today

Over 10,000 pounds donated; hundreds of families served

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Community Impact

What began as one family's creative solution has become a beloved Lee's Summit tradition, bringing together neighbors, families, and visitors from across the region.

10,000+ Pounds of Food Donated

914 Pounds in 2023

398 Peanut Butter Jars

100s Families Visit Each Season

Each season, hundreds of visitors stop by to take selfies, enjoy the lights, and contribute to the cause. The Magic Potty has been featured on local news and social media, spreading its message of community spirit and generosity.

Photo Gallery

Moments of magic from our community

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The Mission

Today, the Magic Potty continues its mission of spreading holiday cheer while fighting food insecurity in our community. Every jar of peanut butter, every can of food, and every donation goes directly to Coldwater of Lee's Summit's programs, including:

FoodPacks Program: Providing weekend meals to food-insecure elementary students
Food Pantry: Supporting over 220 people twice monthly
Holiday Support: Ensuring families have food during the holiday season

The Magic Potty proves that sometimes the most unexpected things can bring a community together and create real, lasting change.

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