For companies in search of ways to make something other than garbage out of old inventory, Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) has a solution. The US-based charity has been helping disadvantaged children for 25 years with excess inventories belonging to brand owners and manufacturers.
To date, the organization has distributed more than US$50 million worth of new toys and games, new books valued at US$50 million, roughly US$30 million worth of new plush animals/dolls and, in the last five years, DVDs and CDs totaling US$100 million in value. The latter category’s numbers have been propelled by licensed characters and images from companies and brands like Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, The Wiggles and The Juno Company.
In extending its ability to help needy children, the organization is looking to retain ongoing support from licensors and licensees willing to donate goods from expired agreements and excess inventory—as opposed to wastefully pitching out the products. To boot, K.I.D.S. picks up items and delivers them to the appropriate recipients.
Online product donation forms can be found at KIDSdonations.org and K.I.D.S. president Janice Weinman and VP Chris Blake are attending KidScreen Summit on February 17th to answer any questions. Those interested in meeting up or donating in general can drop Blake a message at 917-517-5491 or cblake@kidsdonations.org.