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Focus on K.I.D.S. Winter 2012 Newsletter
Click here to download K.I.D.S.' winter 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.
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.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 46.2 million people in the U.S. (15.1%) were living in poverty in 2010, up from 43.6 million (14.3%) in 2009; this is the highest level since 1993. More than 16 million children in the U.S. (1 in 5) currently live in poverty.
In 2011, over 90% of our donations were distributed to families in the United States suffering from daily difficulties. Over the past year, K.I.D.S. has expanded its efforts...
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. In March 2011, I had the opportunity to visit Haiti and the depth of need was brought home to me in every way - through the look of despair on people’s faces, the feeling of desperation that pervades the country and the absence of hope that is reflected in children’s eyes.
But, in the midst of increased demand and reduced excess inventory we were able to dramatically grow the percentage of apparel (our highest priority item) from approximately 25% of what we distributed in 2010 to 40% in 2011. Our greatest gratitude goes to Carter’s for the on-going support it provided in response to the multiple needs that arose throughout 2011.
Children, Families, Employees and Companies Join K.I.D.S. in Closing Out 2011 with a Season of Giving:
Employee Giving/ Corporate Holiday Giving
For a third time, K.I.D.S. was chosen as one of the two charities of choice for PIMCO's Jeans for Charity drive.
Holiday Gift Drives
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.
Sponsors, Donors and Friends Celebrate the Joy of Giving at K.I.D.S.' 26th Anniversary Gala:
K.I.D.S. Raises Over $1.1 Million At Its 26th Anniversary Charity Gala
Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.), the internationally renowned children's charity, announced that it 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.
K.I.D.S Launches a National Grass Roots Campaign
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.
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.).
