Fall 2006, Volume 11 Number 3

Table of Contents

It is hard to believe that so much has taken place at KIDS since we last came to you with our annual fund raising appeal.

Before we “reach out” to you, let’s see what KIDS has accomplished in 2006. As most of you are aware, the three “building blocks” of the program are:

KIDS Teacher Guide—Finding Solutions To Hunger: Kids Can Make A Difference (FSTH).

KIDS Web Site

KIDS Newsletter—Finding Solutions

All three areas experienced increased activity resulting in the best and most productive year that KIDS has enjoyed—a year that we believe we can build on in 2007 and years to follow! Briefly, let us delve into the highlights of the “building blocks:”

Teacher Guide- Katrina had a strong effect on sales of the guide and by March 2006 we had to print another 500 books. Based on our past rate of sale, this quantity would last 12-18 months, but we have sold this print run and have made a second run in the same year! As we discuss the other building blocks, you will see that their increased activity had a positive impact on sales of the Guide.

Web Site- The site has generated through October approximately 750,000 hits. Based upon this rate, we may reach a million hits for the year. Keep in mind that we are not in a class with Amazon.com, but certainly our “product” offering is more limited in appeal than Amazons’. A more significant figure is “unique visitors”—those who spend quality time on the site. If they come back more than once, they are not counted as “unique visitors.” We had 40,000 of them.  Most of our visitors came from the United States and Canada, but included in the top 25 countries were Australia, Great Britain, Germany, South Africa, Japan, China, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Hong Kong and India. The site has become a major source of orders for the Guide.

Finding Solutions Newsletter- We have seen an increase in those who read our newsletter and make a small contribution to insure the life of the publication. This issue demonstrates the diversity of articles we publish. In turn, the newsletter generates orders for the Guide. We are always on the “hunt” for articles, so please keep us in mind.

This is our once a year time to enlist your support in KIDS. We are dependent on folks like you to keep the program alive and vital. As a matter of fact, over 80% of KIDS’ income comes from individuals just like you. The rest comes from the sale of the KIDS Teacher Guide.

Most of you know that KIDS is a self-funded program of WHY. Since no one associated with KIDS gets paid, and KIDS does not pay rent, it does not take a great deal of money to operate the program. What it does mean is that almost 100% of the money you contribute goes directly to the program.

If you have contributed before, you know how painless it is.  If you are new, we welcome you.  In either case, all you need to do is supply the necessary information called for on the enclosed envelope.  We gratefully accept donations by credit card or personal check — and any amount is appreciated.  Our largest single expense is the production of this newsletter, three times a year.  If you are able, a donation of as little as $10 will defray the cost of supplying you with a year of challenging and stimulating articles.

We hope you will choose to take a moment to make your contribution now.

Thanks in advance for your support of KIDS

© Copyright 1999, Kids Can Make A Difference