RWDSU Partners With K.I.D.S. to Help Children in Need (2/23/10)

RWDSU members with some of the moms and children who have been helped by K.I.D.S. 

RWDSU members volunteered their time and enthusiasm today as the union kicked off a new partnership to support the charity Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.). The union members wrapped donated baby toys that will be given to new mothers in a drug abuse recovery program.  The RWDSU is pledging to provide at least 1,000 hours of volunteer service to K.I.D.S. agencies across the U.S. and Canada in 2010 as part of the union’s effort to help build stronger communities.

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum with K.I.D.S. President Janice Weinman

“This partnership with K.I.D.S. is a perfect way for the RWDSU to show our dedication to social responsibility,” said RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum.  “By volunteering at community service agencies across the country and helping to distribute donated new products, our members can be part of the great work of K.I.D.S.  We are proud of the union's longstanding commitment to helping people not just at work but everyday in their communities.”

K.I.D.S. brings hope and self-esteem to more than 4.5 million children and their families each year by providing new clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books and juvenile products donated by manufacturers and retailers.  The donations are distributed through a network of nearly 1,000 local community social service agencies, and the RWDSU is proud to partner with the organization throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Today's kickoff event centered around wrapping gifts for babies, and shines a light on a particularly poignant program that receives support from K.I.D.S.  The Su Casa residence in Manhattan is a program of the Lower Eastside Service Center, Inc., and includes the Pregnant Women and Infants Program.  In the program, opiate-addicted pregnant women live at the facility and then stay after having their babies for a 6 to 12 month program of parenting classes, homemaker training, domestic violence education and job readiness preparation.

“Su Casa is an excellent example of the nearly 1,000 agencies in the K.I.D.S. network,” said K.I.D.S. President Janice Weinman.  “We distribute our donated new products to homeless shelters, foster homes, abuse shelters, community centers and other local social service groups.  There are numerous opportunities for volunteering in a wide range of activities at these community organizations, and the RWDSU members will be a great help.”

 More information about donating new products and supporting the work of K.I.D.S. is available online at http://www.KIDSdonations.org