“We exist so that no child goes without.” That is the founding philosophy for Kids in Distress Services, Inc. (KIDS), a non-profit organization that has been serving St. Clair County and the surrounding area since 2004. Their mission is very simply to provide necessities for children in need.
Community organizations such as churches, shelters, hospitals or schools refer needy children to Kids in Distress. The children may be in the foster system or be homeless due to disasters like fire or other circumstances. Most often however, they are from low income households with parents who cannot find work. The kids range in age from newborn through their teens. Kids in Distress provides these children with five sets of clothing, as well as outerwear (coats, snow pants, boots, hats and mittens). They also provide age appropriate hygiene products including diapers, wipes, deodorant and other toiletries. KIDS makes sure to include a comfort item as well, like a toy or a stuffed animal.
Continuing their holiday tradition, the Port Huron, Michigan campus of Ross Medical Education Center set up a Giving Tree in their lobby where they placed hats and mittens which were then donated for the Kids in Distress drive. After learning that the organization had a particular need this year for socks and underclothes, the students, staff, and faculty in Port Huron included those items in their collection as well.
The campus was able to collect over 100 items to donate this year. Laura Jerlecki, Office Assistant, expressed her passion about participating in this annual event. “It seems like such a simple thing, to donate some mittens or socks, but for a child facing adversity or insecurity, these items can bring warmth and comfort.” She continued, “Kids in Distress Services, Inc. is providing an invaluable service to the children in our community.”
Their website contains a wealth of information including the history of Kids in Distress Services, Inc., as well as referring agencies and their current wish list. Please visit www.kidsindistressservices.org to see how you can become involved.