Our History
In April 2008, Julie Evans, co-founder of the Pediatric CuddleKit Program, was chosen in an local essay contest by ABC to take $2000 and make the greatest impact on the community. At that time, Julie Evans and Kristan Sheppeard extended the Pediatric CuddleKit idea and reached out to underprivileged kids in Yuma County. We held a Kindness Makes a Difference Day, where 80 children from 7 schools, in need of kindness, were treated to pony rides, petting zoo, helicopter tours, jumpers, a magic show, etc...They were also given a modified CuddleKit with a new outfit, shoes, computer games and hygiene items. From that amazing 2 weeks and a life changing day, K.I.D.S. CuddleKit Closet, Inc. was born!
Our Programs
We have three programs that will have a direct impact on the children in Yuma County. They are the Pediatric CuddleKit Program, the Kindness CuddleKit School Program and the Kindness Makes a Difference Day.
All of these programs promote ways in which children receive an act of kindness and then pay the kindness forward to someone else.
Kindness CuddleKit School Program
- Kindness CuddleKit School Program- This referral system based in Yuma County elementary schools allows teachers, counselors, nurses, etc. to refer children who are in need of some form of kindness. This could be a CuddleKit (with an outfit, shoes, toy, book, etc...) or it could be just a pair of shoes, school supplies, bedding, hygiene items, eyeglasses, blankets for the family, etc. The possibilities are endless.
- Paying the Kindness Forward- Each child receives a rubber bracelet in their CuddleKit that reads "Be Kind, Give Strong". The attached form explains that they must be kind to someone else and then give the bracelet to that person. They then complete the attached form explaining their act of kindness and return it back to KIDS CuddleKit Closet. If they return the form back to their teacher, they are invited to an end of the year Pay it Forward Celebration!
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Kindness Make a Difference Day
April 2008 - 80 children from 7 local schools enjoyed an amazing life changing day! This little boy smiles and hugs his new blanket as tight as he can!
- Kindness Makes a Difference Day 2009 - 150 students from 10 local schools were invited to attend the spectacular day filled with unique opportunities, treats, games and a visit from Santa. Each year the event focuses on a different theme. Held in December, the 2009 event transformed into Winter Wonderland, which included hot air balloons, horseback riding and the most exciting activity - snow! Every kid had the opportunity to make snow and play in a huge heap of snow! Each child was sponsored by a business or member of the community, which provided them with a special CuddleKit including a new pair of shoes, fleece blanket, stuffed animal, book and wrapped gift from their wish list. To sponsor a child for Kindness Makes a Difference Day 2010 please contact us through the website.
- Paying the Kindness Forward - A Pay it Forward station was set up at Kindness Makes a Difference Day 2009. Each child had the opportunity to decorate two cookies - one for themselves and one to place on a beautiful tray. At the end of the day, the tray of cookies was delivered to a local nursing home for all to enjoy. They paid kindness forward all in the same day!
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Pediatric CuddleKit Program
Nov. 2008 - 40 volunteers, both adults and kids, packed the cafeteria of Knox Elementary School to stuff 1100 Pediatric CuddleKits.
- Pediatric CuddleKit Program-In June 2008, the MOMS Club of Yuma-West gave the Pediatric CuddleKit Program to KIDS CuddleKit Closet, Inc. The program was started by the MOMS Club of Yuma in 2002 as a community service program benefiting children. During the past six years, the program has given over 9,000 CuddleKits to every pediatric patient admitted to our local hospital, Yuma Regional Medical Center. Each CuddleKit consists of a pillowcase stuffed with both comfort and activity items (stuffed animal, coloring books, crayons, etc.).
- Paying the Kindness Forward- Each child receives a thank you card in their CuddleKit. We ask that they thank someone in their life as a way to pay the kindness forward.
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Our Goals
Kindness Travels Program - This program will allow elementary school teachers to make requests and/or nominate children for any opportunity they find appropriate. An example of an opportunity might be that a teacher could put in a request to take underprivileged kids to the San Diego Zoo, an opportunity they may never have again. Another possibility would be a teacher requesting dance lessons or karate lessons for his/her student. With parental permission, we would fund these extracurricular activities.
In Spring 2010,10 fifth and sixth graders who were unable to go on the out-of-town class trip were given a special surprise treat by KIDS CuddleKit Closet! Thanks to local sponsors, the kids were accompanied by KIDS CuddleKit Closet Directors to a fun-filled day in Yuma! Before the field trip began, each student was given a CuddleKit that included No Worry's t-shirts, new bathing suits, flip flops and a beach towel for their coming adventures. The trip started in style as students were picked up at their school by a Hummer Limousine (sponsored by Zeller's) where they cranked up the music and enjoyed sodas during the fun ride. The Hummer limo escorted them to the Colorado River where they went on an amazing tube ride (sponsored by Yuma River Tubing) down the river! After their tubing adventure, they cruised in the limo to a pizza parlor before their return back to school to share their adventures with teachers and friends!
In 2010, we would like to create a KIDS membership that helps YOU be a part of KIDS. The membership would include a monthly update through an email newsletter, volunteer opportunities and VIP opportunities to all of our events. For updates continue to check the website!
Directors
Board Members
KIDS Printable Referral Form