The Kids Matter Project
the problem:
The Kids Matter Project helps children and teens in Northern Colorado who have been victims of abuse. Child abuse is not only terrible in itself, but also is a root cause of other problems, such as youth homelessness and juvenile crime. When children are removed from their homes because of abuse, they often only have the clothes on their backs, and are unable to gather their things to take with them (or, in many cases of abuse, were never provided with basic things in the first place).
vital stats:
people impacted:
2,000people involved:
4why it's important:
To help kids get through crisis, we make "comfort bags" and distribute them to the kids through local agencies. Each backpack/totebag is filled with brand-new toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and books. Each bag is made specifically for a certain gender/age (i.e a 7 year old boy).
the plan of action:
The Kids Matter Project is an entirely teen-run organization. We get money through fundraising, grants, and community donations, and use the money to buy toys, toiletries, etc. for the bags. Each month, we get emails from several local agencies requesting certain numbers of bags. We assemble the bags and deliver them to caseworkers at each agency, who then distribute them directly to the kids.
how you can get involved:
Have your community group or club organize a toy drive or book drive. Organize a creative fundraiser. Or, if you are at least 13, come volunteer with us!
project updates:
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Comments
This is such an amazing project! You should check out http://www.dosomething.org/whatsyourthing/Violence+And+Bullying/Child+Abuse for more resources on how to spread awareness. Keep doing what you're doing!
Thanks! We're new to this website, so thank you for the link--that has some great stuff.
Your efforts in distributing comfort bags to kids are admirable and I am glad it has been a success.