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.

2011 saw us outperform our expectations for funding, particularly with regard to our Women in Industry Luncheon and our 26th Anniversary gala. What exciting and moving events both of them were with participation from all sectors of the industry and with a true spirit of joy to be part of the giving process. In addition, our cash income increased significantly in 2011 due to new sources of cash donations such as on-line and employee giving. Our employee giving program came into its own last year with organized drives from major law firms to commemorative programs for our own Board members, to strong corporate support from particularly Stride Rite. And, our foundation support exceeded our projected goal for 2011, which is a major accomplishment in a year when such funding has been difficult for not-for-profits.

We would not be able to reach the million of children without the collaboration we enjoy with local agencies throughout the country. In 2011 we enhanced our partnerships with the 945 agencies that form our network by improving on-line communications with them which has generated better and more documentation of the work we do on the ground.

I see 2012 as a milestone year for us at K.I.D.S. We are launching a national campaign to link the communities in which we work with the donors who provide us with product, we plan to hold local fundraisers to involve our cash contributors in a more tangible process of giving and we plan on drawing more heavily on the six regional centers that we developed in 2011.

I am truly excited about the year ahead in which need is going to be even greater than before and our responsibility to address it more important than ever. As always, I look forward to working closely with you to help those who depend on us so greatly.

Sincerely,

Kevin Burke
Chairman of the Board