Since 1985, K.I.D.S. has touched the lives of over 70 million children in need by providing them with their most basic essentials: shoes, clothing, home goods, books, back-to-school supplies and baby products. In 2013, K.I.D.S. will continue to provide families with the aforementioned goods, but we will take our efforts even further by launching special initiatives focused on important crises/needs throughout the country.
The following was written by Chris Blake, K.I.D.S. Interim President.
K.I.D.S. AGAINST SIDS
A few years ago, I attended a birthday party unlike any that I have ever been to before. It was a bittersweet memorial for a boy, Raymond, who would have turned 3 years old. The mom and dad visited the cemetery and then invited close friends and family over for cake and ice cream. The boy’s grandmother said a prayer. The family lit candles around Raymond’s picture and lit the cake and sang ‘Happy Birthday.’
Of course Raymond wasn’t there. His very short life taught me, first hand, about a troubling statistic that most people only read about: African American babies are more than twice as likely as whites to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Years ago, I remember my mom talking about “crib death.” Now, known as “SIDS,” it is the sudden death of an apparently healthy baby, usually occurring during sleep. The Center for Disease Control statistics highlights the alarming racial disparities among SIDS deaths. (Read more SIDS statistics from the CDC here)
Though SIDS is still the number one cause of death in infants in the United States, its occurrence has declined nationally since 1994, thanks in great part to the national Back to Sleep campaign. The Back to Sleep campaign is recognized as the most successful public health campaign in our nation’s history. While this progress is tremendous, SIDS rates remain significantly higher among African American and low-income populations.
This is unacceptable. We know how to lower these rates, but the messages haven’t successfully reached these most vulnerable populations.
The message is simple:
1. Put a Sleeping Baby on His Back (side and tummy positions are not safe)
2. Crib, Firm Mattress, No Soft Toys or Bedding
3. Don’t Smoke Around Your Baby
4. Keep Your Sleeping Baby in Your Room, but Not in Your Bed
This is why K.I.D.S. is announcing a new targeted approach to keeping low-income and African American babies alive, “K.I.D.S. Safe Sleep Centers.” This campaign aims to educate parents and caregivers of young children about safe sleeping conditions coupled with the donation of new cribs, which meet the latest safety standards. For the educational component, K.I.D.S. will work with local partners to ensure recipients receive adequate training on crib and child safety. K.I.D.S.’ Campaign was launched in Los Angeles in early February. Families who attended our first event received 200 brand-new new cribs,valued at $60,000, and 200 mattresses.
To learn more about K.I.D.S.’ Safe Sleep Campaign please click here and visit our blog.
K.I.D.S. thanks you for all of your support, helping us to reach thousands of families in need. But, we need YOUR help to ensure the success of our Safe-Sleep Campaign. GlobalGiving has given us an opportunity to make this happen.
On Wednesday, March 13th, Global Giving is providing a 30% match to all online donations up to $1,000 per donor! There is a total of $50,000 available in matching funds to GlobalGiving partners, so please make your donation early in the day to ensure that it is matched. Please note that this special day of matching begins on March 13th, at 9 a.m. EST, until 9 p.m. EST. The earlier in the day your donation is made, the more likely your gift will be matched. As always, (in addition to the 30% match) every $1 donated enables K.I.D.S. to provide $10 worth of product to needy children and families.
We hope we can count on you next Wednesday, March 13th. Mark your calendars now and please click here on the 17th to make your matching gift!
With kindest regards,
Cristina
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Since 1985, K.I.D.S. has touched the lives of nearly 70 million children in need by providing them with their most basic essentials: shoes, clothing, home goods, books, back-to-school supplies and baby products. While impressive, the needs of American families continues to rise. According to a recent study conducted by UNICEF, of the 25 richest industrialized nations, the United States has the highest childhood poverty rate second only to Mexico. Families throughout the country are stretched to their capacity, and children, unfortunately, are the direct victims of poverty.
K.I.D.S. has been rigorously working to give children a fighting chance this year. Thanks to your support, families suffering from life altering and debilitating circumstances were given the items that they so desperately needed.
The impact your gift has on children and their families is profound. A family that particularly benefitted from K.I.D.S.’ donations this past month was Marcie and Donald, along with their four children. Although Marcie and Donald have always struggled to put food on the table, their situation took a turn for the worse when Donald lost his job. Their lives began to spiral downward: they were evicted from their apartment, they did not have sufficient funds to purchase food, and their children lacked their most basic essentials. Homeless and hungry, they jumped from home to home, seeking a place to rest their head for the night. Their children, tired and hungry, began the school year wearing torn and ragged clothing, and lacked the appropriate school supplies to complete their assignments.
K.I.D.S.’ donations helped Marcie and Donald get back on their feet. Not only is this family extremely thankful for the brand new clothing, backpacks and school supplies they received, but now that their children's basic needs are provided for, they feel that they possess the tools to help them move forward. Thanks to you, Marcie and Donald now know that they are not alone in the midst of their struggle.
To see more photos from this NYC back-to-school distribution event, please scroll down.
Although your support thus far has helped us achieve miracles, there are many families like Marcie and Donald undergoing similar, if not worse, circumstances. We need your help and we want to help you stretch your dollars farther. GlobalGiving has given us an opportunity to make this happen. On Wednesday, October 17th, Global Giving is providing a 30% match to all online donations up to $1,000 per donor! There is a total of $50,000 available in matching funds to GlobalGiving partners, so please make your donation early in the day to ensure that it is matched. Please note that this special day of matching begins on October 17th, at 12 a.m. EST, until 12 p.m. EST. The earlier in the day your donation is made, the more likely your gift will be matched. As always, (in addition to the 30% match) every $1 donated enables K.I.D.S. to provide $10 worth of product to needy children and families.
We hope we can count on you this Wednesday, October 17th. Mark your calendars now and please visit http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/clothing-toys-books-for-kids-in-need/ on the 17th to make your matching gift!
On behalf of the thousands of children and families K.I.D.S. serves, thank you.
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Click here to download the PDF of the Summer 2012 Newsletter
Raising hope and self-esteem. Minimizing the impact of poverty. These are just two of the reasons why K.I.D.S., through our special bonds with our generous donor and retail partners, continues its commitment to provide product to children and teens who are incredibly challenged by unfortunate circumstances. Below are some of the ways we've carried out our mission to deliver dignity and self-worth in 2012.
CLOTHES FOR MILITARY MOMS AND SHELTER CLOSETS
Along with one of our most committed retail partners, Carter's, Inc., we held a baby shower in April for 200 military moms-to-be at Operation Homefront in Fort Benning, Georgia. Read more
SLEEPING SAFELY: CRIBS AND S.I.D.S.
When a large number of people live together in cramped housing in order to afford a roof over their heads, children are inadvertently put into harmful "bedsharing" situations. Experts agree: bed sharing with older siblings or adults, an abundance of blankets or pillows or with someone who is a heavy sleeper can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ("SIDS"), especially for infants under 3 months old. Read more
Also featured in our Summer 2012 Newsletter:
K.I.D.S. at NASDAQ
Kids for K.I.D.S.
K.I.D.S. Sixth Annual Women in Industry Luncheon
K.I.D.S. Partner Agency Network: 1,000 and Growing
Back To School: Student Ambassadors
Baby Einstein Teams Up With K.I.D.S.
Letter from the Chairman
Please click here to read more
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K.I.D.S. CONTINUES NATIONAL "CLOTHES 4 K.I.D.S." CAMPAIGN AND MULTIPLE STATE CAMPAIGNS
2012 has entered with a big bang, with major product distributions taking place throughout the country. Whether as part of the national "Clothes 4 K.I.D.S." Campaign or through our state campaigns, product donors, local agencies and communities are working together to ensure that those otherwise neglected are provided the essentials they need to survive and thrive. Read more.
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Dear friends, colleagues and supporters,
In the midst of unstable economic conditions, K.I.D.S. continues to successfully work through fluctuations in the markets and reductions in excess inventory to serve the poor, the neglected and the dependent. Because of its central importance, we at K.I.D.S. have designated 2012 as "Clothes 4 K.I.D.S." year because apparel, undergarments and outerwear are the most essential items that children require to attend and function in school. And, while we have diversified to include such other products as books, dvds, home goods, personal care items, shoes and baby gear, our greatest need still remains the clothes that kids put on their backs.
As you will see described in the pages throughout this Newsletter, our national "Clothes 4 K.I.D.S." campaign is taking us around the United States from California to Florida; from Houston to Georgia. In communities throughout the country, we are linking product donors with community recipients in order for the impact of merchandise to be seen and felt. In Miami, Florida, we will be distributing Gerber children's wear items to low income families; in Atlanta, Georgia, we'll be providing Carter's apparel to families of the military being assigned to overseas duty. The event in Georgia will take place around Mother's Day in order to pay homage to the important role that wives left behind play in maintaining equilibrium in the family during tours of duty. Read more.
AGENCY OF THE QUARTER: CRANIO CARE BEARS
Not long before her infant son Brentley had brain surgery for Craniosynostosis (a medical condition that hinders a baby's skull to form normally), Summer Ehmann got a care package in the mail from a mom who had just gone through a similar situation. The fuzzy socks, snacks, toiletries and toys were her way of paying it forward after she received a care package from Shelby Davidson, whose son also had survived this major skull procedure. Summer and Shelby connected and turned their passion for providing cranio families with support, information and most importantly, friendship into an organization called Cranio Care Bears. Read more.
SOME COMPANIES GIVE MONEY THROUGH EMPLOYEE GIVING PROGRAMS; OTHERS COMPANIES HAVE FUN DOING IT
For many years, Kolcraft, located in Chicago, has been a product donor to K.I.D.S. Its President, Tom Koltun, serves on the K.I.D.S. Board and on its Juvenile Products team.
Wanting to do more for our charity, the employees decided to run a series of events in which they would have fun and generate cash for K.I.D.S. Employee giving to K.I.D.S. has grown dramatically over the past year with employees collecting funds in honor of a colleague, holding drives, and selling off items. Read more.
DONORS OF THE QUARTER: SKECHERS & FASHION DELIVERS
Throughout its history, K.I.D.S. has partnered with social service agencies across the country to distribute the new product that it receives as donations from manufacturers and retailers. In 2011, K.I.D.S. increased the list of "active" agencies with which it collaborates to ensure that merchandise is directed as broadly as possible to those in need.
Building on the foundation is has laid in every state of the country, in 2012, K.I.D.S. will establish an overall national campaign to solicit product, raise money and increase awareness that connects the dots between local and national activities. Read more.
OUR HOMES AWAY FROM HOME: CLOTHES4K.I.D.S.
As poverty, natural disasters, and other hardships befall citizens across the country, K.I.D.S. expands its inroads into local communities more than ever. In addition to our national "Clothes4K.I.D.S." Campaign, we are establishing affiliated locations in our regional partner centers (RPC). These have been described before in previous newsletters. Read more.
K.I.D.S. AND THE NATIONAL DIAPER BANK NETWORK TO DONATE 20 MILLION HUGGIES BRAND DIAPERS TO FAMILIES IN NEED
- Year-Long Initiative Launched
K.I.D.S. and the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) recently announced that they have partnered to distribute 20 million Huggies brand diapers to families in need throughout the U.S. in 2012.
"Diaper need is a silent crisis in the United States. Diapers are as essential for a child's health and well-being as food and shelter, yet one in three families in America struggle to provide diapers for their families. We are thrilled to be working with K.I.D.S. and our Founding Sponsor the Huggies brand to get diapers to those who need them," said Joanne Goldblum, the Executive Director of NDBN.
To address today's dire need for diapers, every three months, K.I.D.S. and NDBN will distribute five million diapers, donated by Huggies Every Little Bottom, to more than 90 diaper banks, food banks and other such agencies for families in need across the United States. Huggies Every Little Bottom was launched in 2010 with the sole purpose to help address the issue of diaper need in North America. Since its inception, the program has donated more than 60 million diapers toward this cause. Read more.
ARE YOU UP-TO-DATE ON K.I.D.S. NEWS? Who, What, Where, When
K.I.D.S. is working hard to broaden and strengthen our AWARENESS and VISIBILITY as a charity through the development of a National Product Campaign. We continue to refine our digital and social media platforms to keep the public up to date on our Product Campaign and our work across the country.
In an effort to support our new National Product Campaign we have added many new features on our website. We have created an events calendar on our home page that gives details about upcoming distributions, and includes date, location, agency, donor, and the type of product we plan to distribute. Visit us at www.KIDSdonations.org.
Read more.
HELP K.I.D.S. WITH ITS NATIONAL"CLOTHES 4 K.I.D.S." CAMPAIGN
Fifteen million children live in poverty in the U.S. For many, their lives are better because of the generous contributions of K.I.D.S. product donors. K.I.D.S.' 2012 goal is to help more than 4 million children living in poverty in the United States. Help keep our trucks on the road so America's hard-hit families will have clothes on their backs.
If you have not made your merchandise donation yet this year, here are just a few of our upcoming distributions that you can be a part of... Read more.
Click here to download the PDF of the Winter 2012 Newsletter.
K.I.D.S. RESPONDS TO EVER GREATER DAILY DISASTERS IN 2011
NOW MORE THAN EVER
Earthquakes, Floods, Tsunamis, Tornadoes and Hurricanes - as soon as we hear these terms, we are stricken with fear and panic. Here at K.I.D.S. we instantly foresee the strife, pain and loss that impacted communities and families will endure.
K.I.D.S. responded to more natural disasters in 2011 than in any other year. Last year, there were 69 declared disasters in the United States with pleas for help coming from our local community based partner agencies around the country. Read More
RESPONDING TO DAILY DISASTERS
Although K.I.D.S. was born in response to a natural disaster, throughout the country there are millions of children and families who are suffering from daily difficulties, including illness, economic hardship, abuse and homelessness.
...In 2011, over 90% of our donations were distributed to families in the United States suffering from daily difficulties. Read More
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Dear friends, colleagues and supporters,
I would like to take this opportunity first and foremost to thank you for the unwavering and generous support you always provide K.I.D.S. 2011 was a challenging but wonderful year for K.I.D.S. The economic needs of the anonymous and new working poor, the tragic circumstances of those abused and neglected because their families simply cannot cope, the destruction of homes and lives caused by the unparalleled number of natural disasters, all took a toll on our country and our organization. Read More
CHILDREN, FAMILIES, EMPLOYEES AND COMPANIES JOIN K.I.D.S. IN CLOSING OUT 2011 WITH A SEASON OF GIVING
In addition to K.I.D.S.' regular holiday distributions, thanks to the support of local community and company toy drives, in 2011, K.I.D.S. collected over 110 boxes of assorted, high-quality toys and clothing for children in need throughout the United States. Read More
K.I.D.S. RAISES OVER $1.1 MILLION AT ITS 26TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) raised over $1.1 million at its 26th Anniversary Gala on December 8th, 2011 at 583 Park Avenue. The gala, attended by some 600 guests, was a tribute to the significant impact that retailers and vendors play in partnering with a not-for-profit to meet the needs of those struggling to survive either poverty or natural disasters. Read More
K.I.D.S. ENTERS NEW VENUES
Earnshaw’s magazine presented the 34th Annual Earnie Awards on Monday, Oct. 3, at ENK Children’s Club in New York City. Industry professionals toasted this year’s Earnie winners. Nearly 200 guests filled the festively decorated ENK Café to applaud the chosen companies and watch a fashion show featuring looks from the award winners. Earnshaw’s also debuted the Hall of Fame awards and inducted seasoned industry professionals, including Janice Weinman, president of Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.). Read More
K.I.D.S. LAUNCHES NATIONAL GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN IN 2012
Throughout its history, K.I.D.S. has partnered with social service agencies across the country to distribute the new product that it receives as donations from manufacturers and retailers. In 2011, K.I.D.S. increased the list of "active" agencies with which it collaborates to ensure that merchandise is directed as broadly as possible to those in need.
Building on the foundation is has laid in every state of the country, in 2012, K.I.D.S. will establish an overall national campaign to solicit product, raise money and increase awareness that connects the dots between local and national activities. Read More
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