New belongings restore a sense of safety and routine, and the promise that life can again hold a brighter future.
In 2008, more than 180 organizations, including Summer Infant Products, Delta Enterprise, Fisher Price, Lajobi Industries, Cocalo Inc. and RC2/Learning Curve, donated $2.3 million worth of new juvenile products benefiting infants, children and families living in distressed situations.
In the winter of 2008 Larry Bivona, President of manufacturer Lajobi Inc., led his staff in distributing the company’s cribs, playpens and other items at the Fort Dix military base in New Jersey to help bring the holiday spirit to families whose loved ones remain overseas. In all, Lajobi donated more than $100,000 worth of new products to children and their families in 2008.
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For three years now, the juvenile products industry trade association All Baby & Children (ABC) has given K.I.D.S. grants to leverage more than $3 million worth of product donations through Military base distributions to armed forces families. Additionally, in both 2007 and 2008, $400,000 worth of product collected by K.I.D.S. from exhibitors at ABC’s Kids Expo was distributed to needy children in the Las Vegas area.
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JPMA) is a national trade organization representing 95% of the $7.3 billion industry that manufactures and/or imports infant products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, and a wide range of accessories and decorative items. The President of JPMA is a member of the K.I.D.S. Board and JPMA provides financial, trade show and outreach support to engage more of the industry in efforts to help children in need.
Donor Spotlight: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
Kolcraft is a leading producer of crib mattresses, strollers, walkers, bassinets, play yards and high chairs. Based in Chicago, the company was founded in 1946 by the grandfather of K.I.D.S. Board Member Tom Koltun. In the fall of 2009, Kolcraft provided 4,000 high chairs, valued at nearly $700,000 for distribution to military families who have a loved one fighting overseas. For families of enlisted soldiers at Fort Bragg, NC and Camp Pendleton, CA, the high chairs and other baby products help them support their children's growth and development despite being raised in the absence of one parent. |
