"On the heels of both Memorial Day and D-Day we are reminded that there is nothing more sentimental than family heirlooms," McKinney said. "We, in the treasurer's office, understand that these priceless possessions many times mean more to Kansans than any amount of money that we could return to them in unclaimed property. That is why today we would like to take a moment to highlight our responsibility of returning these precious items to the rightful owners and family heirs," said McKinney.

The treasurer's office received a safety deposit box last fall from a bank in the Wichita area. "Staff in the office carefully examined all of the contents and pieces and immediately understood the significant value that these items would have to the owner's family," McKinney explained. The unclaimed property team in the treasurer's office began investigating photos, journals, military telegrams, WWII letters from overseas, diplomas, and other contents looking for clues that may lead them to the rightful owner.

After many months of searching and compiling data, today these invaluable items were returned to the Buek family of Burlingame, KS.

"These items dating back to the 1800's and including a certificate of a Purple Heart Award are a priceless collection that this family will now have to pass on for generations to come," said McKinney.

"Many times we think of unclaimed property as wages, bank accounts, stocks and dividends. And while the treasurer's office staff does handle those items we also work even more diligently to return unclaimed property of kinds such as the contents of the Buek family safety deposit box," McKinney said.

One of the duties of the Kansas State Treasurer is to seek and return various forms of unclaimed property. Please be sure to visit our website www.kansasstatetreasurer.com to check your name and the names of family members for any unclaimed property that might be listed.